Prayer is our way of talking with God and voicing our glory for Him, our thanks, and our requests. In my time of prayer it is natural to go through my expressions in selfish ways for just me. And it is okay and certainly part of the process that I am there speaking with God on a personal level for me.
“2Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.” – Colossians 4:2 (ESV)
Paul, in his letter to the church at Colossae encouraged them to continue in their prayer and does not detour them from their way, only encourages. I think that Paul wanted first to let them know that they are doing right and should continue doing that (prayer) in the interest of right actions.
I have to know that what I am doing is what I should be doing. Even in business, I ask for feedback on the actions I am taking to ensure that what I am doing is right and what adjustment I should be making. In the interest of being a lifelong learner and continuous improvement, I should be seeking out the views of others in order to move forward.
Although it is natural and Paul encourage the continued prayer for myself, there is also the element that I have to pray for others. And Paul makes that known in the next verses in his letter.
“3At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— 4that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.” – Colossians 4:3-4 (ESV)
Paul it seems is making the plea for prayers on his behalf. And where yes, he is right to do so, there is in my thinking more to it than his asking selfishly. I see here that Paul is reminding me that I have to be aware of and praying for the needs and actions of others and not just myself. He is telling me to continue what I am doing and add in the piece for others as well. This is the move from the selfish action to the selfless action and ensuring that ours and the petitions of others are lifted to God for His guidance.
And there is the feedback from Paul on the improvement that can be made in my prayer life. Not that what I was doing by praying for me and my requests, but that there is more to be added and offered to God. I have to be engaged in prayer for me and for other too.
It is the continuous prayer that I am able to do both and make my prayers and supplications to the LORD. Remembering that I should be coming to God all the day long, in all situations. I have to bring Him glory, thanks, and requests. And it is with that continuous constant prayer that I am able to bring prayer for me and for others too.
How selfish are your prayers? Are you reaching out to God for your benefit only? What if you took the feedback from Paul and lifted up prayer for you and others too?
Trevor's Thoughts 