Colossians 4:2 2Be persistent in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.
Paul moves on in the next section of the letter to give other instructions to the Colossians. He shifts in these verses to addressing the whole church. All of his exhortations to different groups and to the whole church come in reflection of the significant theological claims made earlier. How believers act should always be consistent with what God is doing in them through the grace found in relationship with Christ. This is profound and basic to all Christian ethics.
These verses focus on prayer. In verse 2, Paul gives the timeless principle that fits all situations. This is followed by an appeal for the Colossians to pray specifically for him and his ministry. The verb be persistent (proskartereite) has the sense of persevering and not giving up. Having a fervor and consistency in prayer can be challenge. This requires personal discipline and a strong sense of urgency. Such prayer is driving by love and concern for those for whom a person is praying. Paul urges the Colossians to make him one of the topics of their prayers because he needs God’s intervention and strength while imprisoned.
The participle being watchful (grēgorountes) has an instrumental sense and indicates that the Colossians should pray consistent in their prayers by being watchful and ready for what God is doing and wants to do in and through them. They need to pray with expectation and faith. There is also a sense of alertness in this word. They should not be lazy but fully engaged in their prayer. Paul set a good example for the churches by his constant prayer for them. Just like in 1:3, Paul links prayer with thanksgiving. As people get closer to God in prayer, they will realize the generosity and significance of God’s grace in their lives. The response can and should be thankfulness. Prayer, worship, and thankfulness all go together as a team. If the Colossians would spend time in earnest prayer, many of their problems would be resolved and they would find a new power to live in holiness and love as Paul has called them to in the previous chapter.
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