Colossians 4:2

The Pulpit Commentary - Colossians 4:2

Continue steadfast in prayer, being watchful (or, wakeful ) therein, with thanksgiving . "Steadfast continuance" in prayer is specially illustrated in our Lord's sayings on the subject in St. Luke (comp. Acts 1:14 , where the same peculiar verb is used). In Philippians 4:6 ; 1 Thessalonians 5:17 , 1 Thessalonians 5:18 ; 1 Timothy 2:1-15 :l, again "thanksgiving" is associated with "prayer." Wakefulness in prayer is enjoined by Christ in Matthew 26:41 and Mark 14:38 :... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Colossians 4:2

Exhortation to constant prayer. The apostle then gives some special concluding exhortations: "Continue steadfastly in prayer, watching therein with thanksgiving." I. THE DUTY OF PERSEVERANCE IN PRAYER . 1 . This does not imply that we are to devote all our time to prayer; for it would be inconsistent 2 . It implies that we are to be often engaged in prayer. (a) it may lead to a deeper sense of want; (b) our faith and patience need to be tiled; (c) ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Colossians 4:2

Steadfastness in prayer. I. IT IS GREATLY NEEDED . The seven deacons were chosen partly in order that the apostles might not be hindered by temporal affairs from continuing steadfastly in prayer ( Acts 6:4 ). St. Paul exhorts the Roman Christians to this same steadfastness ( Romans 12:12 ). It is requisite on many accounts. 1 . There are never wanting subjects that claim our prayers. 2 . When we are least inclined to pray we are in most need of prayer. 3 . Only... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Colossians 4:2-4

An exhortation to prayer. Paul had been, as we have seen, describing noble and difficult duties of husbands, children, etc. He evidently felt they were so noble that they ought to be attained, and yet so difficult that he must at once suggest one way to their attainment. He has shown the goal, now he shows the path. That path is prayer. Husbands, wives, all who would become what I have described, "continue in prayer." In his exhortation to prayer we may notice— I. SOME ELEMENTS IN... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Colossians 4:2-4

Conditions of success in prayer. St. Paul draws the attention of the Colossians to two things. I. GENERAL CONDITIONS OF SUCCESS IN PRAYER . 1 . Perseverance. "Continue steadfastly in prayer." It is part of our spiritual education, teaching us dependence, trust, and patience. No "stock" of blessings given, but daily grace, bread, etc. Blessings may be withheld for a time because, in our present spiritual state, we cannot receive the full supply we shall be capable of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Colossians 4:2-6

SECTION IX . PRAYER AND SOCIAL CONVERSE . There are added some brief exhortations of a more general tenor, the contents of which are summed up in the heading given to this section. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Colossians 4:2-6

Sect. 9.Prayer and social converse. I. PRAYER . ( Colossians 4:2-4 .) 1 . Prayer must be habitual and persistent. "Continue steadfast in prayer—keeping awake therein" ( Colossians 4:2 ); "Ask ... seek … knock" ( Matthew 7:7 ). It is not an occasional exercise of the soul, called forth by special emergencies, but the necessity of its daily life. For that life is a fellowship with God in Christ ( Colossians 3:1-3 ; 1 John 1:3 ; John 14:23 ), maintained on his part by the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Colossians 4:2-6

The life of prayer and sympathy. Having shown how Christianity elevates the household, Paul next encourages the Colossians to prayerful and sympathetic lives. They shall find themselves in contact with others in the walks of public service, and they are to go forth to meet others prayerfully, sympathetically, graciously. Public life can only be properly, utilized when based upon constant prayerfulness. I. CONSIDER WHAT CONSTANT PRAYER IS . (Verse 2.) It is lingering at the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Colossians 4:2-6

Prayer and prudence. I. PRAYER . 1 . General. 2 . Particular. "Withal praying for us also." They were not only to pray for themselves, for others, about other affairs, but specially for Paul and his coadjutors, and as he here directs. II. DUTY TO THEM THAT ARE WITHOUT . How is a Christian society to advance its ends with them that are outside? That is a question which has not lost its importance. 1 . Walk. "Walk in wisdom toward them that are without,... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Colossians 4:2

Continue in prayer - That is, do not neglect it; observe it at all stated times; maintain the spirit of prayer, and embrace all proper occasions to engage in it; compare the Luke 18:1 note; Ephesians 6:18 note; 1 Thessalonians 4:17 note.And watch in the same with thanksgiving - Watch for favorable opportunities; watch that your mind may be in a right frame when you pray: and watch, that when your mind is in a right frame you may not neglect to pray; see the Ephesians 6:18 note; Philippians 4:6. read more

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