Colossians 4:2

The most important practice to perpetuate in relation to God is prayer. That is so because in prayer we call on God to work, and we express our faith in Him. Throughout this epistle Paul’s emphasis has been on the believer’s union with Christ and the complete adequacy that that union produces. The Christian who does not pray is demonstrating independence from God (cf. John 15:5). It is only as we ask God to work that He will accomplish many things (James 4:2). Consequently Paul urged his readers to devote themselves to prayer, to give it constant attention and priority. Perhaps the main problem we face when we do pray is concentration. Therefore Paul reminded his readers to keep alert in prayer and to express gratitude always in view of God’s goodness and grace to them. [Note: See Howard Tillman Kuist, "Zest for Prayer," Theology Today 11 (1954):48-52; and Thomas L. Constable, Talking to God: What the Bible Teaches about Prayer, pp. 65-66.]

"This is like breathing: inhale by prayer, exhale by thanksgiving." [Note: McGee, 5:363.]

The repeated emphasis on thanksgiving makes this epistle one of the most "thankful" books in the New Testament (cf. Colossians 1:3; Colossians 1:12; Colossians 2:7; Colossians 3:17; Colossians 4:2).

"The accompanying exhortation to ’keep awake, be on the alert’ (gregoreo) is drawn from the imagery of guard duty (Nehemiah 7:3; 1 Maccabees 2:27; Mark 14:34; Mark 14:37) . . ." [Note: Dunn, p. 262.]