Pray 2!

Pray 2!

‭Colossians 4:2 AMPC‬

[2] Be earnest and unwearied and steadfast in your prayer [life], being [both] alert and intent in [your praying] with thanksgiving.

As a personal lesson to me, this is a topic I trust God to also help me on. Prayer is one of the tools God has provided for man to tap into the amazing resources that are available for relationship and impact. Too many times, we are focused on service, recognition and applause, whilst we forget that the supply and support is what drives the output. Not too many people care about the hidden things; they just want results. They will do anything, except the right thing, to get the results they want. Is it a surprise then, that we have a lot of demonstrations that look like the real deal, but lack the power that is able to change a man's life and lead to lasting impact and eternity.

Paul would know the power available in the resource of prayer. He was also the same one who told the church in Thessalonica to 'pray without ceasing'. He would have tried this resource several times and found it to be effective. Check out the words of the verse above: earnest, unwearied and steadfast. These are words that show consistency, grit, focus and dedication. You do not do something only when it is convenient, but even when it is very hard. You do not do something because of what people will do or say, but simply because you know that the One who called you to Himself is able to keep and preserve His own to the end. 

The importance of being both alert and also intentional in prayer is also laid out here. You pray, and then observe. You observe carefully  and then you pray. You are watching to see what God is saying to you per time, and what is the appropriate action for the particular season He is taking you through. The value of thanksgiving is also laid out in the verse above, and it is a sign that the heart is not bothered with things it does not have, because it knows the power, might and mercy of the One who calls men to Himself. Giving thanks must be a regular thing for me, so that the sin and burden of entitlement will not creep in to define His church. How is your heart? Does it seek power for exploits? Pray. God's time of favour is here.