Be Mindful and Heart-Full
By Jeanne Rogers
"Devote yourself to prayer with an alert mind
and a thankful heart." (Colossians.4:2, NLT)
For months, my godly friend reported her family’s horrendous trials. Those of us who cared deeply for her prayed sincere prayers in faith, but instead of getting better, things got worse. I agonized over her e-mails and wept with her on the phone. We felt discouraged, but we didn’t stop praying.
Her circumstances continued to spiral, but she kept crying out to God. I rallied intercessors who didn’t know her, and we entered an intense spiritual battle in the heavenlies. Suddenly, small changes occurred. My friend rejoiced and expressed gratitude to God for the tiniest sparks of light in her darkness.
She pleaded, “Don’t stop praying! I have felt the power of prayer. People who have been immovable are posturing themselves differently, and my circumstances are gradually changing. God is so faithful! We have a long way to go, but things have turned.”
Praying with and for my friend reacquainted me the real-life lessons Paul dealt with in his letter to the Colossian church. He said, “Devote yourself to prayer, keeping alert in it, with an attitude of thanksgiving.” (Colossians 4:2, NAS)
I studied that verse in the Amplified Bible and came up with a checklist for those who accept the scriptural mandate and bear another person’s burden. (Galatians 6:2) Of course, we should always take loving and benevolent action to shoulder the load of hurting people, but prayer engages the supernatural power of God. We need both, so how do we devote ourselves to prayer?
- Be earnest, steadfast and unwearied.
- Be alert, intent, and thankful.
Paul’s letter to the embattled Colossian church was written after Epaphras, the church founder, reported the infiltration of false teachings. Paul confronted the heresies, but also used Epaphras as an example of what he knew their congregation needed to do in the midst of their troubles. Paul described Epaphras:
“[He is] always striving for you earnestly in his prayers, [pleading] that you [as persons of ripe character and clear conviction] stand firm and mature [in spiritual growth], convinced and fully assured in everything willed by God. For I bear him testimony that he has labored hard in your behalf and for [the believers] in Laodicea and those in Hierapolis. (surrounding cities)” (Colossians 4:12-13, Amplified)
The apostle Paul wanted Christians to know the enemy that raged against them and their prayers. In Ephesians 6: 10-18, Paul used military language and strategy--not for a physical battle, but for an effective spiritual battle against Satan and his army.
For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere.” (Amplified)
Christians will encounter strong interference with their prayers, so we must know how to battle with spiritual weapons. Let’s add the following to our checklist:
- Put on the complete armor of God
- Tighten the belt of truth around your loins.
- Put on the breastplate of integrity, morality and right standing with God.
- Wearing the Gospel of peace on your feet, face the enemy with firm-footed stability and promptness.
- Cover yourself with the shield of saving faith through Jesus Christ.
- Quench the flaming missiles of the wicked one.
- Take the helmet of salvation and the sword that the Spirit wields. (The Word of God).
- Resist the enemy.
- Stand your ground.
Paul concludes with a command that they pray at all times, in the Spirit with all manner of prayer and entreaty. “To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints, (God’s consecrated people) “ (Ephesians 6:18, Amplified)
After two years of praying together, my friend now gives me regular reports of advancement against the enemy. She knows the victories have come through God’s supernatural intervention. We have a faithful and powerful God, so we will persevere to the finish!
This Week
Decide to keep praying for the person or situation that seems hopeless. Be mindful of God’s power to intervene. Be heart-full—easily moved to intercede for hurting people. Finally, persevere in taking their burden before the Lord.
Prayer
“Lord, I want to devote myself to praying for others. I will stand aggressively against the enemy, shielded and empowered in the authority of Christ. Holy Spirit, pray through me, and help me stand strong for a breakthrough to victory. “
