"Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving." Colossians 4:2

Two weeks ago we looked into this verse and found that there is a universal need for prayer and how great the need is at this time in history. We also saw that it is a ministry that all can participate in and embrace, but there are conditions for a prayer warrior. The conditions include a contrite and humble heart devoted to and acceptable to God. There must be a whole-heartedness, it must be in faith, righteousness and obedience. A prayer warrior is one who seeks and prays according to God's will.

We have in the Revelation two verses that speak of the prayers of the saints (the holy ones; the set apart ones):
The prayers of the saints are precious,
"And when He had taken the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, having each one a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints."
Revelation 5:8
And,
They ascend as incense before God:
"And another angel came and stood at the altar, holding a golden censer; and much incense was given to him, that he might add it to the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, went up before God out of the angel's hand." Revelation 8:3-4

This gives us some idea of how important prayer is to God. We can see why the Apostle Paul gives the warning to be alert.

Our opening verse speaks of 'keeping alert' the King James Version uses the word 'watch'. Vines Expository Dictionary tells us the Greek word
Gregoreo: to watch, is used of spiritual alertness. It is the same word used in the following admonitions to be watchful:
"Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong."
1 Corinthian 16:13

"For you are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night nor of darkness; so then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober."  1 Thessalonians 5:5-6

1 Peter 5:8 says,
"Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour."

Being a prayer warrior is a high calling for it deals with great needs, hard trials, at times impossible situations, circumstances that are beyond man's ability and wisdom to handle. Not only these, but thanksgiving and praise as well. It takes faith in, trust in, reliance on Christ with steadfastness, love, patience and confidentiality.

As our verse says, 'with an attitude of thanksgiving'! It is God's grace alone and none of ourselves! It doesn't take a crowd -- Jesus said, "For where two or three have gathered together in My name, there I am in their midst." Matthew 18:20

If these words speak to your heart, I urge you to go before God in prayer and seek His will concerning the prayer ministry.

Let us give the Lord all praise and honor for it is right that all creation give Him the glory. Amen