1

The word translated `continue' is interesting. It occurs again in Romans 12:12, `continuing instant in prayer'. It

has the note of urgency about it. In chapter 13:6 we have it again. Referring to the higher powers, the apostle says

`they are God's ministers attending continually upon this very thing'. There is concentration stressed here. In Mark

3:9 it occurs in a non doctrinal setting. `He spake to His disciples that a small ship should wait on Him because of

the multitude'. The little ship was placed at the Lord's disposal, awaiting His use as He willed.

These verses throw a vivid light on prayer that is effectual. There must be urgency about it, a concentration on

the outworking of the glorious deposit of truth that has been entrusted to us by the Lord, and all must be along the

lines of His will. `If we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us' (1 John 5:14).

Shall we persevere in intercession in this way, looking to the Lord to answer as He sees fit? Let us never forget

we are dealing with One who is `able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the

power that worketh in us' (Eph. 3:20).

2

In the first article we saw that urgency and concentration are combined in the word `continue'. In Colossians

4:12 Epaphras labours fervently in prayers for the Colossian saints.

This word is literally `agonise' and has in its composition the word `race' (Heb. 12:1). It brings before our mind

the intensity of effort expended by the athlete running in a race. Our praying should be like this and yet how slack

and feeble it often is!

Another point is brought before us in Colossians 4:2. We are exhorted to watch in prayer. This word means to

refrain from sleep, to be on the alert. It is the word that is constantly used by the Lord, urging those of the end time

to be ready for His Coming (parousia), Matthew 24:42,43; 25:13. How easy it is to pray and then forget!

It is even possible to be surprised when the answer comes. The Pentecostal Church had prayed for Peter's

release from prison (Acts 12:5). Yet, when God answered their prayer, they refused to believe it, charging the girl

that brought the news to them with being mad (Acts 12:12-16). Fancy being surprised when God gives the answer

to our requests! This is not faith but unbelief and is the cause of much unfruitfulness.

We must not only labour in prayer but watch for the Lord to work His will. Habakkuk said `I will stand upon

my watch and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what He will say unto me'(Hab. 2:1). Let us continue

in this labour of intercession for all who need our prayers in this witness and for all the sowing of the seed of a

rightly divided Word, whether by speaking or the printed page, and then watch for the increase or growth which

only the Lord can give (1 Cor. 3:7).

3

We have seen that this important verse stresses concentration, intensity and watchfulness in prayer. The

apostle Paul adds another ingredient `watch in the same with thanksgiving'.

It is significant that the early nations departed from God when they refused to recognise Him as such and ceased

to be thankful (Rom. 1:21). A truly thankful heart is a great preservative against declension. It is when we begin to

forget `all His benefits' (Psa. 103:2) and cease to praise, that we begin to lose touch with Him and prayer becomes

less and less vital.