Pray Your Way Through

Colossians 4:2 NASB95

Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving;

Introduction:

Friends, today we're diving into the depth of Colossians 4:2, which tells us, "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful." This verse captures the essence of a vibrant Christian life: a life rooted in persistent and passionate connection with God. In this sermon, we’ll explore how we can enrich our spiritual journey by being steadfast in prayer.

Persistent Prayer

Prayer isn't a one-time event; it's a continual, steadfast dialogue with God.

a. Practice Regularity

Establish a daily routine of prayer, just like Daniel. By setting aside specific times each day, we make prayer a natural and indispensable part of our lives.

Daniel 6:10 NASB95

Now when Daniel knew that the document was signed, he entered his house (now in his roof chamber he had windows open toward Jerusalem); and he continued kneeling on his knees three times a day, praying and giving thanks before his God, as he had been doing previously.

Prayer isn’t a matter of getting on your knees. Prayer is the elevation of the heart to God and that is all a man needs to praise, to pray and to worship.8

A. W. Tozer

b. Persevere Through Challenges

Life throws obstacles our way, but we’re called to persist in prayer as Paul tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5:17. Stay committed, knowing that God listens and answers in His perfect timing.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 NASB95

pray without ceasing;

c. Personalize Your Prayers

Speak to God openly and honestly. As Jesus taught in Matthew 6:7-8, avoid using empty phrases. Let your heart guide your words, addressing God with sincerity and specificity.

Matthew 6:7–8 NASB95

“And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words. “So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.

In a small town, a woman named Sarah faced many hardships. Her son was ill, and finances were tight. Every evening, she would kneel by his bed and pray, pouring her heart out to God. Even when answers seemed delayed, she remained faithful. Over time, her son improved, and she experienced a profound sense of peace. Sarah's story demonstrates that perseverance in prayer can lead to miracles and reaffirm our faith in God’s timing.

Watchful Prayer

WATCH: Watchful, Alert, Thankful, Continual, Humble.

Prayer requires vigilance and alertness.

a.Prepare Your Spirit

Before you pray, take time to quiet your mind and focus your heart. Psalms 46:10 reminds us to “Be still and know that I am God.” Creating an atmosphere of calm helps us listen more intently to God's voice.

Psalm 46:10 NASB95

“Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

b. Pay Attention to God's Answers

Be alert to how God responds, as His answers may come in unexpected ways. Keep a prayer journal, noting how and when God responds, which nurtures a spirit of expectancy.

c. Guard Against Distractions

The enemy seeks to pull us away during prayer. As we're instructed in Ephesians 6:18, remain alert and sober-minded. Find a quiet place where distractions are minimal to maintain focus.

Ephesians 6:18 NASB95

With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints,

WATCH: Watchful, Alert, Thankful, Continual, Humble.

Thankful Prayer

An attitude of gratitude transforms our prayer life.

a. Ponder God's Blessings

Reflect on your blessings regularly. Like the Psalmist, remind yourself to "forget not all His benefits." Listing daily gratitudes changes our perspective and fuels our prayers.

b. Propel Prayer with Praise

Start and end your prayers with praise. Acknowledging God’s greatness aligns our hearts with His and paves the way for powerful prayer experiences, similar to Paul and Silas in

Acts 16:25 NASB95

But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God, and the prisoners were listening to them;

c. Proclaim Your Trust

Expressing thanks in prayer demonstrates trust in God’s plan. As Philippians 4:6-7 encourages, when we offer our requests with thanksgiving, God's peace will guard our hearts.

Philippians 4:6–7 NASB95

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Scottish minister Alexander Whyte was known for his uplifting prayers in the pulpit. He always found something for which to be grateful. One Sunday morning the weather was so gloomy that one church member thought to himself Certainly the preacher wont think of anything for which to thank the Lord on a wretched day like this. Much to his surprise however Whyte began by praying We thank Thee O God that it is not always like this.

Daily Bread August 26 1989.

Why is thankfulness important in prayer? Answer: Thankfulness shifts our focus to acknowledging God’s past provisions and faithfulness, fostering a positive relationship with Him.

Conclusion:

Friends, prayer is our lifeline, our direct line to a loving and listening Father. By being persistent, watchful, and thankful, we strengthen our relationship with Him, align our hearts with His, and turn our lives into a living prayer. Let's commit to fostering a prayer life that echoes the lessons from Colossians 4:2 and transforms not just our inner selves but the world around us.

WATCH: Watchful, Alert, Thankful, Continual, Humble.