A Word from Pastor Stephen – May 26, 2020

“For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives.” (Colossians 1:9 NIV)

Jesus had a deep and committed prayer life. Jesus knew he needed much time with his Father if he was to fulfill his calling. Jesus was often engaged in prayer. If Jesus modeled this behavior, then we should pay attention and try to follow his example. In one of his parables Jesus taught that we “should always pray and not give up”. (Luke 18:1)

Paul also places a high priority on prayer. Paul was always praying and urging the new young Christians to pray as well. Paul understood the power of prayer and how important it was to spend time in communion with God. Here in the opening verses of his letter to the Colossians he tells them that he has not stopped praying for them.

How can Paul say that he has “not stopped praying”? In another letter Paul tells the reader to “pray continually” (1 Thes 5:17). Isn’t it impossible to pray continually or to never stop praying? I think the Bible makes it clear that prayer should be a priority in your life. Prayer should be a constant companion with you as you walk with Jesus.

Another way to pray continually can be found in the words of St. Basil the Great, a bishop of the early church. He said, “This is how you pray continually – not by offering prayer in words, but by joining yourself to God through your whole way of life, so that your life becomes one continuous and uninterrupted prayer.” Amen.