A Prayer life that is self-controlled and alert

Colossians 4:2

“Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.”

Most people I know have a special day or event that is very important to them; Thanksgiving is that day for me.  All of the other holidays seem to focus on a person other than God, even Christmas, but Thanksgiving is a day to look–up and acknowledge the gifts and blessings that have been yours over the past year. 

Is the apostle Paul admonishing us to give thanks all the time, not just on special days of the year?   And to be watchful in our praying, what is that all about?  We are to be steadfast in our prayer life, to be unwavering in purpose, to be persistent in our prayer life, but what are we to be watchful about?  We live in such an uncertain time, many of the prophecies about our Lord’s return have taken place, and that should be something we are steadfast about in our prayers and as we share with one another. 

Should we not also pray for one another and for ourselves that we do not fall to temptation and sin?  Look at Matthew 26:41, “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.  The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”  Prayer is not just a quick moment when we call out to our God; prayer is very close to guerrilla warfare.  Like guerrilla warfare, the enemy uses ambushes, and a good example is, “Sure you should pray for them, but I’ll do it later when you have more time.”  Or he sabotages your mind with thoughts of what needs to be done at that moment, and the person or things have left your thinking.  When we engage in prayer, we are taking on the rulers, the authorities, and the cosmic powers over this present darkness, and the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

We should always remember that our Father is more than able to do all that we ask of Him, and that we are easily taken captive by the schemes of the devil.  That is why we are told in 1 Corinthians 10:12, “So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall.”  And in 1 Peter 5:8, “Be self-controlled and alert.  Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice