Read: Colossians 1:1-8; 4:2-4
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. (Col. 4:2 NIV)
“Prayer today is the most neglected area in the life of the believer and in the life of the church.” Those are the words of Dr. J. Vernon McGee, a prominent Bible teacher, pastor, and theologian who ministered in the last century. Words of wisdom that are just as true now as when he said them.
Even in Paul’s day, the apostle realized that believers needed to be reminded: “Devote yourselves to prayer.” Prayer was certainly important to the apostle. He begins the letter to the Colossians by telling them that he has never stopped praying for them (1:9). And in the fourth chapter as he concludes the letter, he instructs the Colossian believers not only to devote themselves to prayer, but to pray for him and his companions that “God may open a door” for the gospel (4:3 NIV).
It seems ironic that we need a reminder to pray. Shouldn’t it be natural for us? Yet we all know how it goes. We are doers. We think we have to make things happen. So we try every means under the sun to find a solution to our problem. Then, when nothing seems to work, we finally say, “Well, maybe we need to pray about this.”
A friend of mine has these words at the top of his Facebook page: “Pray first.” That’s good advice. The apostle Paul would agree with that, and we would all do well to “pray first.”
As you pray, ask God to help you make prayer a priority in your life.
About the Author
Rev. John C. Koedyker is an ordained minister in the Reformed Church in America. He has served as a missionary to Japan as well as pastor of several churches in Iowa and Michigan. Until recently he served Muskegon Classis as its Stated Clerk for 18 years. He resides in Grand Haven, Michigan.
