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

Posted on January 18, 2023

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

In the last post, we focused on the personal private prayer life. There is a second part that we have failed to take proper cognizance of. Consider verses 3-4 (AMPC) of our text: And at the same time pray for us also, that God may open a door to us for the Word (the Gospel), to proclaim the mystery concerning Christ (the Messiah) on account of which I am in prison;  That I may proclaim it fully and make it clear [speak boldly and unfold that mystery], as is my duty. Colossians 4:3-4 AMPC

Again, two disciplines are clear from this scripture, the discipline of corporate prayer, and an attestation that we are knit together, each engaged to play our part. Nowhere is Paul’s dissertation in Ephesians 4:2-10,16 (TPT) more evident—With tender humility and quiet patience, always demonstrate gentleness and generous ” love toward one another, especially toward those who may try your patience. Be faithful to guard the sweet harmony of the Holy Spirit among you in the bonds of peace, being one body and one spirit, as you were all called into the same glorious hope of divine destiny. For the Lord God is one, and so are we, for we share in one faith, one baptism, and one Father. And he is the perfect Father who leads us all, works through us all, and lives in us all! And he has generously given each one of us supernatural grace, according to the size of the gift of Christ. This is why he says: “He ascends into the heavenly heights taking his many captured ones with him, “and gifts were given to men.” He “ascended” means that he returned to heaven, after he had first descended from the heights of heaven, even to the lower regions, namely, the earth. The same one who descended is also the one who ascended above the heights of heaven, in order to begin the restoration and fulfillment of all things…For his “body” has been formed in his image and is closely joined together and constantly connected as one. And every member has been given divine gifts to contribute to the growth of all; and as these gifts operate effectively throughout the whole body, we are built up and made perfect in love

A church that is connected and praying for each other is the foundation laid for us. Acts 2:42 (TPT)—Every believer was faithfully devoted to following the teachings of the apostles. Their hearts were mutually linked to one another, [Or “They became partners.”] sharing communion [Or “breaking of bread.” This was more than sharing meals, but participating together in observing the Lord’s Table. The Aramaic, which can be translated “the Eucharist” or “holy communion,” makes it even more explicit.]  and coming together regularly for prayer.

So, we see the critical place of corporate prayer, ministering to one another with words that build up in our walk with God because how we walk with one another matters to God. For this cause the writer of Hebrews 10:25 (MSG) said— Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching.

Our theme text goes further. Paul was in prison at the time he wrote to the Colossians, and what would one have expected his request prayers to be? For his freedom, right! But no, rather it was the mission committed to him, an important lesson for us regarding corporate prayer. There are eight places where Paul, in consonance with his revelation expressed in Ephesians 4, recognized the place of corporate prayers.

  1. Romans 15:30-32 (TPT)
  2. 2 Corinthians 1:10-11 (TPT)
  3. Ephesians 6:18-20 (TPT)
  4. Philippians 1:19 (TPT)
  5. Colossians 4:2-4 (TPT)
  6. 1 Thessalonians 5:25 (TPT)
  7. 2 Thessalonians 3:1,2 (TPT)
  8. Philemon 1:22 (TPT)

It’s not about self; rather it is about others and about what’s uppermost in God’s heart, His mission as His representatives (John 17:18). Let’s do it right and encourage ourselves in putting corporate prayers as much a priority as our individual life’s prayers. Let’s commit to doing this and check back in a few months if we do not see outstanding changes. Shalom.


Pastor Afolabi Oladele

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