While we know that time in prayer is beneficial and vital, it is something that most Christians have to fight for in their daily life. Much of the time this neglect isn’t intentional, hence the command to be watchful. Other ways that we can translate this command are ‘be alert,’ or ‘be awake.’ It’s the same command Jesus repeatedly gave his disciples in Matthew 24-25 when He was teaching them about the nature of his return.

One of the great privileges and blessings that Christ purchased for us on the cross is our access to the throne of grace (Heb. 4:16). Because we have been united to Christ, reconciled to God, and cloaked with Christ’s righteousness, we have the ability to go before the Father’s throne in prayer with confidence.

Not only are we accepted, but God hears our cries (Prov. 15:29)! And as if that wasn’t enough, the Father actually delights in our prayers (Prov. 15:8)!

The Pleasure of Prayer

That’s on one side of the prayer blessing equation. On the other, we have the blessed experience of praying. Even when we are crying out to God in the midst of a trial, prayer is a sweet and beneficial time for the believer. Laying our concerns and requests before our heavenly Father is calming, encouraging, and it helps us to grow in our trust in and reliance on God.

Not only does God want us to pray, but we also know that there is great joy in praying.

This all combines into an activity and discipline that we as believers should be eager to practice as much as possible. But if this is the case, why did Paul need to command the Colossian believers to continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving? The command assumes that prayer is something that the believer can become complacent or weary in doing.

Read More