Guidelines for Prayer
Effective Prayers
Colossians 4:2–4
2 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;3 Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:4 That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.
This passage gives us 5 guidelines for our prayer life.
- Continue in prayer
- Watchful in prayer
- Thanksgiving in prayer
- Open door for me to spread the gospel
- Pray that word of God Manifest to me
Continue/Persistence in prayer
The meaning of Continue is — “persist in an activity or process.” When I first read that, I thought we need to pray more often. Continuously every day may be more times in a day, after reading the dictionary meaning holy spirit revealed to me, continue in prayer is “don’t give up,” be persistent in prayer like a persistent friend (Luke 11:5–13). Whether we are asking for the Baptism of the holy spirit, deliverance from any stronghold, temptations to overcome or for the salvation of loved one/friend/colleague, “DON’T, GIVE UP” be persistent.
Watchful in prayer
Being watchful is being alert and vigilant. We have to be careful while praying, what are we praying for ? what is the motivation of my prayer? Are there any vain words ? or expressions in my prayer? Are there any selfish desires in my prayers? We have to search our hearts and be mindful of what God wants us to pray (to the leading of the holy spirit). We shouldn’t be carried away with our mind or agenda when we are praying.
Thanksgiving in prayer
Give thanks in all circumstances(1 Thessalonians 5:16–18). We thank God for not only answered prayers but also for situations in our lives that are painful because we know that all things work for good ( Romans 8:28–29).In other words, we have to stop complaining about our relationships or situations but rather thank him for these people or situations in our life. Maybe without those people and circumstances in our lives, we won’t be transformed into christ likeness!
Pray that God open door for me to spread the gospel
Paul is asking to pray that God would open the door to speak the mystery of Christ. We should always pray to God to open the door for us to reach out to neighbors/colleagues and friends to express the mysteries of Christ. If we are not available or prepared, how can God send anyone on our way?
1 peter 3:15 says always be prepared to answer everyone. We have to pray for the opportunity to share the gospel every day. One of my friend shared how she was not happy due to pandemic. She was not able to go to any ministry. While watering plants, She asked God how she can share the gospel in these situations. On the same day, she shared gospel by giving the bibles to 3 people without moving out of the house. Wow!! how amazing that is!! its the availability of heart God sees!
Pray that word of God Manifest to me
Manifest meaning is evident or obvious to the eye or mind.we can understand a word through our minds but may not be able to see it, Understading the scripture is essential to understand God’s heart. We have to pray that the eyes of our heart may be enlightened in order that we may know the hope to which he has called us, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people
( Ephesians 1:18).
