Be Faithful

“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” (Colossians 4:2)

Be faithful

Our prayers should be “steadfast.” We are to “continue steadfastly” in prayer. R.E.O. White points out that the reason for this was two-fold in the early Christian church. 1. It was the only resource available to most of them, especially those who find themselves living in a pagan household in the midst of a pagan culture. 2. Devotional aids would be unavailable to these Christians who were poor and illiterate.

This is not to be seen as an admonition to “wear God down” with our words, though we can think almost of that very picture with the parable of the widow and the unjust judge. It’s not the persistence of our words that turn the corner in prayer, however. It is the posture of our hearts!

We are not to “grow weary” in prayer when answers do not come quickly. God’s delays are not always God’s denials. But it pleases God to see His children wait in faith. He doesn’t dangle the answer like a carrot to a horse, but sometimes He allows our heart to be tested as we wait.

This is a call not to quit in our praying; not to be discouraged when answers do not fly our way quickly. Be steadfast. Pray continually. Be devoted in prayer!