Daily Devotional – Wednesday, October 19, 2022
Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving.
Colossians 4:2 (NKJV)
How are we to react if God does not answer our prayers immediately or as we expect? Are there risks in giving upon on our petitions? Why should we thank God before He has answered our prayers?
In Colossians 4:2, Paul counsels, “Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving.” The phrase ‘continue earnestly in prayer’ implies the petitioner is facing formidable challenges and discouragements.
Vigilance in Prayer
Prayer is not an ordinary activity. Both God and the devil are interested in our prayer lives. God uses prayer to empty us of pride, selfishness and sin. Satan puts snares and obstacles in our lives to discourage us from praying or engaging in effective prayers.
Moreover, when Paul says we should be ‘vigilant’, he reminds us of James, John and Peter in Gethsemane with Jesus. When we do not receive immediate or ‘appropriate’ answers to our prayers, we are likely to become hopeless, careless and complacent.
The Potency of Thanksgiving
Paul also urges us to offer our prayers with thanksgiving. To be grateful to God for yet-to-be answered prayer is a superior expression of faith in God. It is acknowledging God’s goodness, sovereignty and omnipotence.
Even in the most trying times, when God appears to give us a cold shoulder, we need to continue earnestly in prayer. For the evil one not to catch us unawares, we should not relent. We demonstrate faith in God when we thank Him even before we receive what we have asked for.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, give me grace and power to continue earnestly in prayer, to remain vigilant and to always be grateful to You even before You answer my prayers.
Amen, The power of prayer is the inheritance of the believer.We need to pray without ceasing, more prayers, gives more power and grace to the christian.
Thank you for the insight, Doc. God bless you.
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