Building Your Prayer Life In 2023 (Part 1)—Colossians 4:2-4

Posted on January 16, 2023

Home Blog Posts Building Your Prayer Life In 2023 (Part 1)—Colossians 4:2-4

Exemple

Building Your Prayer Life In 2023 (Part 1)—Colossians 4:2-4

by Pastor Afolabi Oladele

As we transit to the second half of January let us reinforce the elements that are foundational to living a victorious year. Most believers would admit to prayer being critical amongst these elements yet are found wanting when it comes to the practice. We all have the things that make for our daily routine or rhythm of life; yet prayer must be understood as being more than a routine! We recognize the two dimensions of prayer for every believer, the first being the private personal prayer life.

  1. Mark 1:35 and Luke 4:42
  2. After the multiplication of loaves—Mark 6:46
  3. Before choosing the disciples—Luke 6:12
  4. Before Peter’s profession of who Christ is—Luke 9:18
  5. Immediately before Transfiguration—Luke 9:28
  6. Before teaching His disciples how to pray—Luke 11:1
  7. Before the Crucifixion (time of distress) —Matthew 26:36-45Mark 14:32-41 and Luke 22:39-46

These were listed first to demonstrate to us that there is purpose to prayer beyond just ticking a box. The purpose of prayer is fellowship or koinonia or joint participation with our Father.  It is not just talking to or at God but listening for the instructions He provides for our spiritual sustenance for living out our pilgrimage. It is here that we gain sensitivity to the movements of the Holy Spirit, becoming alert to the ways in which He is leading one on different issues of our walk of faith. Our text reveals this notion—Colossians 4:2 (AMPC)—Be earnest and unwearied and steadfast in your prayer [life], being [both] alert and intent in [your praying] with thanksgiving.

In this scripture two disciplines are evident, a consistent action on your part in praying and as though responding to the commonly asked question, how do I know God is speaking? One of the ways is in the place of private prayer where you consciously listen for His direction.

Do you have an established rhythm of prayer? The seven points highlighted above show the spectrum of things that demand fellowship with our Father, when you are not just talking at Him but listening to and hearing Him. Do you have these moments of divine connection, and if you do, are you hearing Him? Only then will thanksgiving have its full import. Beloved, please think and act on these things.


Pastor Afolabi Oladele

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *