Persevere In Prayer

Have there been times you have prayed in faith, but the answer to your prayer was slow in coming? Perhaps, you have asked yourself if you should just give up hope. Let me ask you something. Have you asked God if there is something you should do while you are waiting for your answer? Have you asked God if your attitude is one that encourages faith or continually comes against it?

The Word tells us how to respond when the answers to our prayers are delayed. In Colossians 4:2, Paul shared the kind of attitude we should have as we wait for the answers to our prayers. He wrote, “Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving.”

The word “continue” in Colossians 4:2 is translated from the Greek word “proskartereo.” It means to be strong, to have courage, and to be steadfast in faith.  This reveals a person who has a strong unshakeable attitude. He believes. He wants something so deeply that he is pressing toward it, dedicated to securing it, and purposefully occupied with things the Holy Spirit directs that will help him receive it. In using the word “proskartereo,” Paul encourages us to stay focused in prayer, to keep pressing forward in the Spirit, and to refuse to give up until we have received what we have been praying for.

The Greek word translated “prayer” in this verse is “proseuche.” The first part of this Greek word, “pro,” indicates coming face to face with something or someone. Prayer isn’t just a formula to get something. Prayer is the means by which we come face to face with God and have fellowship with Him. In prayer, you become intimate with God. To breakthrough barriers that prevent the answer to your prayer, you must press forward in the Spirit.

The second part of “proseuche” is “euche.” This word indicates petitioning for something in a sacrificial way. Sacrifice is an essential element of prayer. When you come before the Lord, you must come to Him vulnerable and open. You must surrender any changes in your life that He may require. There can be things in your life that hinder His ability to bless you. As you draw closer to God, the Holy Spirit will convict your heart of anything that needs to be surrendered. If you respond to His conviction and repent, the obstacles that were hindering your prayers will be removed. God desires for you to meet Him face to face and surrender every aspect of your life to Him. He promises that in return you will receive the answers you seek.

Paul continued in Colossians 4:2 by saying, “Continue in prayer, and watch.” The word “watch” is the word “gregoreo,” meaning to be awake, to be watchful, or to be vigilant.  When you begin to pray in faith and make the changes God requires, you must remain vigilant and watchful, expectantly anticipating the answers to your prayers. 

The last point Paul made in this verse is that you must “watch in the same with thanksgiving.” The word “thanksgiving” is the Greek word “eucharistia,” which is comprised of two words “eu” and “charis.” The word “eu” means good or well, and it indicates a good feeling about something. The word “charis” is the Greek word for grace. When these two words are combined, the resulting word conveys the idea of having overwhelming good feelings of God’s grace, which flow effortlessly from your heart in response to a promise yet to come.

By using the word, “eucharistia,” Paul taught you must never give up in prayer, but with your whole heart seek your answer from God. As you steadfastly keep a watchful, expectant attitude, stand in faith, thanking God for the answer you have yet to receive. You will discover it’s difficult to be disappointed or feel defeated when you are always thankful. As you wait for the answer to your prayer, hold fast to your promise with a heart full of faith and thanksgiving.

Are you praying for something and the answer still hasn’t come?  Stay focused in prayer, continually pressing forward in the Spirit. Make whatever changes God requires, and always be alert, watching for your answer. Start praising God right now for the answer you have yet to receive.

Perhaps you’ve been tempted to give up on something you’ve been praying for. My friend, never, never give up! Persevere in prayer, keeping your faith strong and alive! Remain alert, watchful, and expectant! At this very moment, you might be on the brink of receiving the answer that has eluded you for so long.

“Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise” (Hebrews 10:35-36).

 

* The understanding of the Greek comes from Rick Renner, "Sparkling Gems from the Greek."