I read this interesting passage of Scripture today. We are commanded as believers to 'CONTINUE IN PRAYER,' but then we are further taught to 'WATCH IN THE SAME.' That is very interesting. What does it mean?
Presbyterian Pastor Albert Barnes (1798-1870), teaches concerning this passage:
Barnes' Notes on the Bible
Continue in prayer - That is, do not neglect it; observe it at all stated times; maintain the spirit of prayer, and embrace all proper occasions to engage in it; compare the Luke 18:1 note; Ephesians 6:18 note; 1 Thessalonians 4:17 note.Here are a couple related Scripture...
And watch in the same with thanksgiving - Watch for favorable opportunities; watch that your mind may be in a right frame when you pray: and watch, that when your mind is in a right frame you may not neglect to pray; see the Ephesians 6:18 note; Philemon 4:6.
1st Peter 4:7, “But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.”
Matthew 26:40-41, “And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”To “WATCH UNTO PRAYER” means to be spiritually on Guard. Proverbs 4:23, “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.”
Like most other things in life, CONSISTENCY is the key! If you want to lose weight, consistency is the key, watching one's diet and maintaining a routine of exercise. Likewise, effective prayer requires being consistent, nothing wavering, watching one's spiritual calories. That is what Colossians 4:2 means, we need to continue in prayer and be consistently to do it earnestly. The important thing is to always pray.
God Sometimes Answers Prayer, Even When We Lack Faith
Most people merely use God, coming to Him only when they want something from Him. Our God is such a loving and kind God that He still helps people, if it be according to His will. We see a beautiful example of this in the book of Acts...Acts 12:5, “Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.”
Acts 12:13-16, “And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda. And when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate. And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel. But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished.”This is a very encouraging passage of Scripture to me! I don't know about you but I often doubt if God will answer my prayers; but HE WILL IF IT IS HIS WILL! Just pray and let God be God!!! Herod had just killed James by having him beheaded. When Herod saw that the Jews loved it, he planned to kill Peter next; but the church prayed WITHOUT CEASING and God delivered the apostle. When Peter came to the door of the place, where the believers were gathered together praying, Rhoda answered the door. She was so excited that she didn't think to open the door, and ran in excitement to tell everyone that it was Peter. When they heard Peter was at the door, they called Rhoda “CRAZY!” They told her she had taken leave, that she had lost her mind! The Bible says they were ASTONISHED!!! Dear friend, even when you doubt God, He will answer your request if it is His will, because prayer in itself is faith!!!
“The thing that will reveal your faith is praying when no answer comes. That's the supreme test.” —Brother Lester Roloff, from the sermon titled, Something Everybody Can Do.The Christian is not supposed to have a prayer life, but a life of prayer!
“Prayer doesn't change things. That is wrong! Prayer touches God and then God changes things. The right type of prayer touches God.” —A quote from the awesome sermon, “PREACHING THE POWER OF PRAYER,” by Pastor Danny Castle
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