When I made my first communion at Blessed Sacrament Grade School in North Omaha, we were given prayer books and rosaries and taught that prayer was really important. As part of the initiation rites of receiving communion, we had to memorize the Hail Mary and the Our Father. I no longer subscribe to the recitation of memorized prayers over and over as I was taught, but I still strongly believe in the importance of prayer.
Paul certainly did. He gives us some powerful instructions on prayer in Colossians chapter 4. He begins by saying, “Continue steadfastly in prayer…” This simple yet profound command reminds me of a powerful moment with my 4-year-old Grandson. He wanted to be the one to say the prayer for his breakfast at McDonalds. When he bowed his head, he said, “Dear God…” Then he stopped and said, “I don’t know what to say.” Kathy showed him his eggs and sausage and milk and told him to say thank you for them. He did, and in that simple act, I was reminded of the power of prayer.
Paul’s next phrase is a powerful reminder of how we should approach prayer. He tells us “…being watchful in it with thanksgiving.” The “being watchful” phrase refers to alertness to the times and situations around us. We should know what to pray for, who to pray for as determined by our life situations and the world situations as a whole. We should know what’s going on in the lives of others and with the world, our nation, our community, and our church. We should intercede for all according to their needs. At the same time our prayer must contain the element of thanksgiving. We should see God’s work in the world, our country, our churches, and our lives and acknowledge Him as the source of all our blessings. This mindful and appreciative approach to prayer can truly transform our spiritual journey.
Another very important item of prayer must be the advancement of the Gospel. Paul continues his instructions regarding prayer by saying, “Pray for us also, that God would open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ… that I may make it clear and know what I ought to say.” “Continue steadfastly in prayer…” Colossians 4:2