Colossians 4:2 - Homilies By T. Croskery

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) the time for the answers may not have come.

II. THE DUTY OF WATCHFULNESS IS PRAYER .

1 . We must be watchful as to the spirit of prayer , not indolent and remiss.

2 . We must watch for arguments in prayer .

3 . We must watch or suitable praying seasons .

4 . We must watch against watchlessness .

5 . We must watch for the answers to prayer .

6 . Remember Christ's example as he watched in prayer . ( Matthew 14:23 , Matthew 14:25 .)

III. THE DUTY OF JOINING THANKSGIVING WITH OUR SUPPLICATIONS AND OUR WATCHING ,

1 . We must always in prayer give thanks for mercies received . ( Philippians 4:6 ; 1 Thessalonians 5:16 , 1 Thessalonians 5:17 .)

2 . We must thank him in praises .

3 . God answers according to our gratitude for mercies received .—T.C.