Active Theology

“Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving” (Colossians 4:2, ESV)

What is something you do over and over? Better yet, something you do continually and never grow tired of? For me, it’s coffee. And it’s not just the drink itself, but it’s the process. I’m somewhat of a “coffee snob” and by that I mean I’m particular but not picky. I love my single-origin pour overs, but I’ll gladly drink a Keurig coffee. 

Many mornings before work, you will find me in the kitchen making coffee right before I walk out the door. I warm up the water in the kettle, weigh the beans, grind the beans (with a manual grinder), set up the pour over and filter…the steps are too long to write out. But I love the process and I keep doing it nearly every day! Even after going through this process everyday for almost 10 years, l I have yet to grow tired of it. 

When I read Paul’s letters, I am frequently in awe of how he prays and how he describes his prayer life. Based on the way he talks about it, Paul seems to have never stopped praying.

To “continue steadfastly” with something means to be persistent. You could even think of it as “never ending”. If we approach prayer like this, then we are going to be in constant communication with God. 

Whether you feel like you’re in a valley or on a mountaintop, continue steadfastly in prayer.

Your upcoming week could be loaded with deadlines or you’ve got some days off, continue steadfastly in prayer. 

Maybe you feel stuck, confused, and left wondering when God is going to open a door, continue steadfastly in prayer. 

If you just found out some life changing news, good or bad, continue steadfastly in prayer.

If we follow Paul’s instructions here, one of the best things we can do is begin the week in prayer and keep praying. God is eager to hear from you and we can bring everything to Him. And as Paul says in this verse, we are to be watchful at the same time. Be watchful for how God is working. Our hearts will be turned to thanksgiving and praise as we stay connected to God through prayer! 

Pray: God, thank You for hearing my prayers. Help me to remember that I can always come to You in prayer. Through every up and down, You are there waiting to hear from me. You are a compassionate God that wants to hear from His children. I pray that I will see how You are working in my life this week and turn my heart to praise You each day. 

Song: “You Will Remain” by All Sons and Daughters

Craig is a worship pastor at Wallula Christian Church and the creator of Active Theology. He loves coffee dates with his wife, reading, and riding his bike. A few of his favorite things are third wave coffee, vanilla ice cream, and plain t-shirts.