Pray!

Pray!

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 always, the audience defines the message. You do not demand standards from people who are not subject to, or have not subscribed to the standards. Paul and Timothy who are credited with writing this letter to the church in Colosse, described as holy believes who have been united to Christ as His beloved followers. These people had become willing subscribers to the standards themselves. We have seen how Timothy himself was nurtured in the faith by his grandmother and mother, and then spiritually and physically mentored in the faith by Paul. We know of Paul too, and the journey hd took to get to this point. Living up to the laid down standard will not happen by accident; it will be the result of total and absolute submission to God, and a full embrace of His will. Does this describe me at the moment? Does it speak to my current situation? 

One of the practices of those who know and follow the standard is a lifestyle of prayer. As noted in the verse above, it is not the seldom or occasional catch up, where you come when the need arises, or because you need to get something from God. It has to be a consistent exposure to the practice of prayer. As the verse above says, it is earnest, unwearied and steadfast. It means that it has to be my default setting at all times, not a fallback option after I have tried all other things. I do not wait until I am stuck before I get to do it. I do it because I have proven that it works. I do it because I know the value of a relationship with the One I engage with. To 'engage with' God is to desire to be with Him at all times; to speak to, and also listen to Him for direction and instructions. You are not primarily focused on what you can get from Him, but because of what you have come to know of Him. 

The verse above speaks about being alert and intent in prayer. It gives a picture where your eyes are closed and open at the same time. You are focused on the God you seek to speak to, but you are also watching out for how or where God may choose to lead. Your ears are open and closed at the same time. You have made a decision on who you will listen to, whilst also deaf and oblivious to all other distractions. This can be pretty hard but it is the only way to go. It is hard to focus on two dissenting views at the same time. God also makes it clear that it is called being lukewarm, and He will spew such people out of His mouth. Thanksgiving is also laid out as a fundamental part of our prayer. It is a heart that knows who God is, and fully appreciates what he has been given. Can God count on me to be faithful and devoted to Him, no matter what comes? God's time of favour is here.