Colossians 4:2
Verse
Context
Prayerful Speech and Actions
1Masters, supply your slaves with what is right and fair, since you know that you also have a Master in heaven.2Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful,3as you pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Continue in prayer - This was the apostle's general advice to all; without this, neither wives, husbands, children, parents, servants, nor masters, could fulfill the duties which God, in their respective stations, required of them. All might, power, and life come from God; his creatures are continually dependent upon him for all these: to earnest, persevering prayer, he has promised every supply; but he who prays not has no promise. How few wives feel it their duty to pray to God to give them grace to behave as wives! How few husbands pray for the grace suited to their situation, that they may be able to fulfill its duties! The like may be said of children, parents, servants, and masters. As every situation in life has its peculiar duties, trials, etc.; so to every situation there is peculiar grace appointed. No man can fulfill the duties of any station without the grace suited to that station. The grace suited to him, as a member of society in general, will not be sufficient for him as a husband, father, or master. Many proper marriages become unhappy in the end, because the parties have not earnestly besought God for the grace necessary for them as husbands and wives. This is the origin of family broils in general; and a proper attention to the apostle's advice would prevent them all. Watch in the same - Be always on your guard; and when you have got the requisite grace by praying, take care of it, and bring it into its proper action by watchfulness; by which you will know when, and where, and how to apply it. With thanksgiving - Being always grateful to God, who has called you into such a state of salvation, and affords you such abundant means and opportunities to glorify him.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Continue--Greek, "Continue perseveringly," "persevere" (Eph 6:18), "watching thereunto"; here, "watch in the same," or "in it," that is, in prayer: watching against the indolence as to prayer, and in prayer, of our corrupt wills. with thanksgiving--for everything, whether joyful, or sorrowful, mercies temporal and spiritual, national, family, and individual (Co1 14:17; Phi 4:6; Th1 5:18).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Continue in prayer,.... This is not said particularly to masters, as in the foregoing verse, but to all the members of the church in general; for the apostle having taken notice of some special duties relating to persons in different stations of life, returns to such as were common to them all; as this of prayer to God is, for such prayer is intended; for though the object is not expressed here, he is in the following verse, and the Mediator Christ is supposed, and also the Holy Spirit, whose assistance is necessary to it. The things exhorted to, and required in prayer, are, first, as in this clause, continuance in it, which does not mean that men should be always formally praying to God; nor can it be thought that saints are always in praying frames of soul, though such are always desirable; but it intends frequency and constancy in prayer, in opposition to an entire restraint and omission of it, and to a performance of it but now and then, or very rarely; for though Christians are not, as the Jews were, bound to certain stated hours of prayer, so many times in a day, yet a day should not pass without prayer to God; for their daily cases call for it; their lives, their health, their daily bread, and all their temporal enjoyments, which depend on his daily goodness, providence, and power; their spiritual affairs, the renewing of the inward man day by day, fresh supplies of grace for new service; their daily trials and afflictions, their continued enemies, sin, Satan, and the world, all fully show the necessity of daily prayer: besides, God does not always immediately answer the prayers of his people, he will be sought unto time after time, even for a blessing he intends to give; and therefore the saints should not be discouraged, but continue in prayer till they receive the mercy, and their importunity is a means of enjoying it, as in the case of the poor widow; and which is an encouraging reason why men should pray always, and not faint. Add to this, that constant prayer is a means of keeping up a spiritual acquaintance, intercourse, and familiarity with God, and of the soul alive in the vigorous exercise of the graces of the Spirit, and of preserving the saints from temptations and sin; for, generally speaking, restraining prayer before God, and casting off his fear, go together. The next things requisite in prayer are watchfulness and thankfulness: and watch in the same with thanksgiving. There is not only a watchfulness unto it, previous to a man's entrance on it, as in Eph 6:18 but a watchfulness in it, which is opposed both to sleepiness of body, and to coldness and indifference of mind, to all careless airs and negligent manner of performing it; and designs an intenseness of mind, an application of thought, and fervency of devotion, and affection in it. It lies in a concern, that the heart be lift up, with the hands to God; in a care, that what is asked is according to the will of God, and that the whole be performed in sincerity, faith, and fear. This is what the Jews call , "the attention of prayer" (f), and , "the intention of the heart"; and which, they say (g), is the root of prayer, the main and principal thing in it; and that every prayer which is not with intention, is no prayer (h); and which, they observe, lies in this, that a man turns his heart from all (other) thoughts, and seems to himself as if he stood before the divine Majesty. To this thanksgiving must be added; see Phi 4:6 for this is well pleasing to God; and the contrary, an ungrateful spirit, is highly resented by him. Besides, a believer has always mercies to bless God for, as well as favours to ask at his hands; nor is he ever in such a situation, either in temporals or spirituals, but he has something to bless God for. Moreover, how should it be expected that a person should succeed in a present request, who is not thankful for a former kindness? (f) T. Bab. Bava Bathra, fol. 164. 2. & Sabbat, fol. 127. 1. (g) R. Aben Ezra in Psal. lxxviii. 37. (h) Maimon. Hilch. Tephilla, c. 4. sect. 15, 16.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
If this be considered as connected with the foregoing verse, then we may observe that it is part of the duty which masters owe their servants to pray with them, and to pray daily with them, or continue in prayer. They must not only do justly and kindly by them, but act a Christian and religious part, and be concerned for their souls as well as their bodies: "As parts of your charge, and under your influence, be concerned for the blessing of God upon them, as well as the success of your affairs in their hands." And this is the duty of every one - to continue in prayer. "Keep up your constant times of prayer, without being diverted from it by other business; keep your hearts close to the duty, without wandering or deadness, and even to the end of it: Watching the same." Christians should lay hold of all opportunities for prayer, and choose the fittest seasons, which are least liable to disturbance from other things, and keep their minds lively in the duty, and in suitable frames. - With thanksgiving, or solemn acknowledgment of the mercies received. Thanksgiving must have a part in every prayer. - Withal praying also for us, Col 4:3. The people must pray particularly for their ministers, and bear them upon their hearts at all times at the throne of grace. As if he had said, "Do not forget us, whenever you pray for yourselves," Eph 6:19; Th1 5:25; Heb 13:18. That God would open to us a door of utterance, that is, either afford opportunity to preach the gospel (so he says, a great door and effectual is opened to me, Co1 16:9), or else give me ability and courage, and enable me with freedom and faithfulness; so Eph 6:19, And for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds; that is, either the deepest doctrines of the gospel with plainness, of which Christ is the principal subject (he calls it the mystery of the gospel, Eph 6:19), or else he means the preaching of the gospel to the Gentile world, which he calls the mystery hidden from ages (Col 1:26) and the mystery of Christ, Eph 3:4. For this he was now in bonds. He was a prisoner at Rome, by the violent opposition of the malicious Jews. He would have them pray for him, that he might not be discouraged in his work, nor driven from it by his sufferings: "That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak, Col 4:4. That I may make this mystery known to those who have not heard of it, and make it plain to their understanding, in such a manner as I ought to do." He had been particular in telling them what he prayed for on their behalf, ch. 1. Here he tells them particularly what he would have them pray for on his behalf. Paul knew as well as any man how to speak; and yet he begged their prayers for him, that he might be taught to speak. The best and most eminent Christians need the prayers of meaner Christians, and are not above asking them. The chief speakers need prayer, that God would give them a door of utterance, and that they may speak as they ought to speak.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:2-6 New Testament letters often end with an exhortation to pray, along with requests for prayer. 4:2 with an alert mind: The Greek verb behind this phrase is used in the New Testament to portray the need for Christians to be watchful in light of Christ’s return (Matt 24:42; 25:13; Mark 13:35, 37; 1 Thes 5:6; Rev 3:3; 16:15).
Colossians 4:2
Prayerful Speech and Actions
1Masters, supply your slaves with what is right and fair, since you know that you also have a Master in heaven.2Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful,3as you pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Youth for Christ Ladies
By Corrie Ten Boom6.6K38:08Women's MeetingGEN 18:32ISA 11:9ZEP 3:17ROM 8:19COL 4:21JN 5:5REV 22:21In this sermon, the speaker describes a situation where 700 prisoners were in great danger and facing punishment due to their fighting. Amidst this chaos, there was a weak and starving old woman named Betsy who prayed for peace. The speaker emphasizes that God used Betsy as a representative of heaven to bring peace to the room. The sermon also highlights the importance of understanding how God sees us and what He expects from us. The speaker encourages belief in Jesus as the Son of God and emphasizes that our world is in need of overcoming through God's plans. The sermon concludes by mentioning a poem about life being like a weaving between God and ourselves, and the speaker shares personal experiences of finding joy and light in the midst of darkness through Jesus Christ. The sermon references the book of Ivan Pleger and mentions the ultimate goal of the knowledge of God covering the earth. The speaker also mentions a story about reading the last chapter of a book to find a happy ending, relating it to the sad events happening in the world before Jesus comes. The sermon encourages faith and action in fulfilling what we are supposed to do.
Interview of Leonard Ravenhill by David Mainse
By Leonard Ravenhill6.0K12:07RevivalInterviewPrayer in MinistryMAT 21:13LUK 18:1ACT 6:4ROM 12:12EPH 6:18PHP 4:6COL 4:21TH 5:171TI 2:1JAS 5:16Leonard Ravenhill, in an interview with David Mainse, emphasizes the critical need for prayer in ministry, arguing that a lack of prayer life among preachers leads to a spiritually stagnant church. He reflects on the early church's commitment to prayer and contrasts it with the modern church's focus on organization and performance. Ravenhill calls for a revival of genuine prayer and intercession, suggesting that the church must return to its roots of seeking God earnestly. He also highlights the importance of preachers dedicating time to prepare spiritually, not just intellectually, for their messages. Ultimately, Ravenhill urges ministers to prioritize their prayer life to foster a vibrant and impactful church.
Personal Victory for the New Year
By A.W. Tozer4.3K42:16Victory1SA 3:4MAT 6:33MRK 13:371CO 16:13EPH 6:18COL 4:21TH 5:61PE 5:8In this sermon, the preacher focuses on a verse written by Paul, emphasizing the importance of being watchful as Christians. He highlights that we cannot simply muddle through the year and expect victory, but rather we must be alert and attentive. The preacher compares the idea of loafing and dreaming to watching, stating that the Bible portrays men as watchers. He emphasizes that we cannot expect an easy journey, but rather we must be prepared for all kinds of weather and challenges. The sermon encourages listeners to be proactive in taking care of themselves, their families, and their testimonies, reminding them that they must stay vigilant throughout the year.
Pray Big and Pray Bold
By Sundar Krishnan3.9K24:59PSA 2:1ACT 4:31EPH 6:18COL 4:2JAS 5:16This sermon emphasizes the power of intercessory prayer in shaping the future and creating a better world. It explores the concept of spiritual defiance through prayer, believing in God's promises, and surveying the future with faith. The sermon delves into Acts chapter 4, highlighting the prayer of the early church in the face of opposition, showcasing the attributes of God and the importance of boldness in prayer.
"Praying Payson of Portland"
By Leonard Ravenhill3.8K00:59EPH 6:18PHP 4:6COL 4:21TH 5:17JAS 5:16This sermon reflects on the powerful legacy of a praying patient in Portland who dedicated himself to fervent prayer, leaving physical marks on his knees as a testament to his commitment. It emphasizes the importance of persistent prayer and intercession, highlighting the impact of a life devoted to seeking God.
Bearing Fruit - Part 7
By Keith Daniel2.6K09:14PSA 46:10PSA 119:147PRO 4:23MAT 26:41MRK 1:35LUK 10:41COL 4:21TH 5:17HEB 4:16JAS 4:8This sermon emphasizes the vital importance of maintaining a consistent and genuine quiet time with God, highlighting how neglecting this time can lead to spiritual downfall and the potential for great harm in one's life and ministry. It stresses that the foundation of a strong Christian life is rooted in the daily communion with God, and how even the most renowned preachers can fall into sin when they neglect their quiet time. The message underscores the need for believers to prioritize their relationship with God above all other responsibilities and activities, as it is the key to spiritual strength and protection.
(The Foundation and the Building) the Most Important Thing in Life
By Zac Poonen2.1K1:00:29MAT 6:24LUK 15:21CO 15:472CO 4:10COL 4:21TH 5:16In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a Christlike attitude and values. He challenges the audience to not just passively listen to the message, but to allow it to transform their entire lives. The speaker encourages the audience to study the life of Jesus and align their attitudes towards praise, money, and sinful people with His example. He also warns against prioritizing evangelism without living a Christlike life, as it can undermine the message being preached. The sermon concludes with a call to always rejoice, bear the dying of Jesus, and pray, highlighting the importance of consistently living out these principles.
The Man Under the Stage
By Eric Ludy2.0K1:01:302CH 7:14MAT 6:6LUK 18:1ACT 1:14ROM 12:12EPH 6:18COL 4:21TH 5:17HEB 4:16JAS 5:16This sermon emphasizes the importance of being spiritually prepared and the power of prayer in bringing about revival and transformation. It highlights the role of individuals like Father Nash and the need for men and women to go under the stage in prayer, sacrificing comfort and reputation for the sake of the gospel. The message challenges the church to be a praying church, willing to fill gaps with their lives and bodies, and to be unstoppable in advancing the kingdom of God.
Prayer, the Holy Spiirt and Boldness and David Platt
By Francis Chan1.9K07:02MAT 18:19ACT 4:31ROM 15:30EPH 6:19COL 4:21TH 5:112TI 1:7HEB 10:24JAS 5:161PE 4:8This sermon emphasizes the importance of believers coming together in prayer to seek supernatural courage and boldness to share the gospel, drawing inspiration from the early church's practice of praying for one another's boldness. It highlights the need for believers to support and pray for each other's spiritual growth, encouraging a deeper reliance on the Holy Spirit for empowerment in evangelism and disciple-making.
The Canadian Revival - Part 1
By Bill McLeod1.8K08:152CH 7:14PSA 85:6EZK 37:5JOL 2:28ZEC 12:10MAT 18:19ACT 1:14ROM 8:26COL 4:2JAS 5:16This sermon delves into the concept of revival, emphasizing the transformation of Christians from a state of spiritual deadness to vibrant life through the outpouring of God's Spirit. It narrates a journey of prayer, preparation, and anticipation for revival within a church congregation, highlighting the importance of cultivating a spirit of prayer and unity in seeking God's intervention and awakening.
The Prayer Meeting
By Bob Jennings1.6K35:32PSA 145:18ACT 1:14ACT 2:42ACT 4:29ROM 12:12EPH 6:18COL 4:2JAS 5:16This sermon emphasizes the importance of prayer meetings and being devoted to prayer, highlighting the significance of gathering together for prayer as a mark of true Christianity. It delves into the power of praying with others who are on 'praying ground,' using Scripture in prayer, and seeking God's hand for healing and signs and wonders in the name of Jesus. The sermon encourages boldness in speaking God's word, being filled with the Holy Spirit, and expecting spiritual impact and transformation through prayer.
Why God Used George Whitefield
By David Ford1.5K01:51PSA 27:8HOS 10:12MAT 6:6COL 4:21TH 5:17JAS 4:8This sermon reflects on the life of George Whitefield, exploring the elements that contributed to God using him for His glory. It emphasizes Whitefield's commitment to prayer, fellowship, and seeking God diligently in private, highlighting the importance of cultivating a deep relationship with God behind the scenes, away from the public eye.
Dr. k.p. Yohannan on the Operation World Book
By K.P. Yohannan1.4K01:342CH 7:14PSA 67:1MAT 9:38ROM 12:12EPH 6:18PHP 4:6COL 4:21TH 5:171TI 2:1JAS 5:16This sermon by K.P. Yochanan, Director of Gospel for Asia, reflects on the impact of Operation World in understanding and praying for countries like India, with its diverse languages and people groups. Through daily prayers and devotionals, Operation World serves as a tool to intercede for nations and rejoice in God's work globally, echoing the call to pray to the Lord of the Harvest in Matthew 9.
House Hunting
By Sandeep Poonen1.4K56:02MAT 21:13JHN 15:5COL 4:21TH 5:17HEB 10:24JAS 5:16This sermon emphasizes the importance of being a house of prayer, highlighting the contrast between being a den of thieves and a place of communion with God. It encourages individuals to creatively find ways to pray consistently for themselves and to help others do the same, fostering a community dedicated to prayer and spiritual growth. The speaker shares personal experiences and challenges listeners to take practical steps towards becoming houses of prayer and bearing fruit for others to consume.
Prayer 09 in the Early Church
By Bob Clark1.4K37:53Early ChurchACT 1:14ACT 2:5ACT 6:4ACT 12:5ACT 16:25ACT 20:36COL 4:2In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of prayer in the Christian home. He refers to the exhortations given in Colossians 3 and 4, which outline how husbands, wives, children, fathers, servants, and masters should behave. The speaker highlights the need for continual prayer and thanksgiving in order for the Christian home to function properly. He also mentions that prayer is not just for personal benefit or spiritual growth, but it should be integrated into daily family life. Additionally, the speaker discusses how prayer can have a transformative effect on individuals and situations, as seen in the example of the apostle Paul's imprisonment leading to the furtherance of the gospel.
Greg Frizzell 2 - Broken Before the Throne 2010
By Greg Frizzell1.3K2:44:26EPH 6:18PHP 4:6COL 4:21TH 5:16JAS 5:16This sermon emphasizes the power of prayer and the importance of interceding for others, highlighting the need for believers to be co-laborers with God through prayer. It delves into the concept of intimacy with God and the impact of prayer in bringing about great moves of God. The speaker leads the congregation in praying for courage and boldness for those standing true to God's Word amidst challenging circumstances, and for mercy upon churches that have drifted from their spiritual roots.
(Colossians) 12 in Closing-Two Main Admonistions
By Bob Utley1.3K26:55ColossiansCOL 4:2In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the last two commands and points emphasized by the apostle in the book of Colossians. The first main truth is found in verses 2 through 4, where believers are encouraged to devote themselves to prayer with an attitude of thanksgiving. The speaker emphasizes the importance of praying for others, specifically for God to open doors for the proclamation of the word and for clarity in speaking the mystery of Christ. The second main truth is not explicitly mentioned in the given transcript, but the speaker hints at the importance of intentional evangelism and sharing the gospel in all aspects of life.
Lifting Up Our Eyes - Part 3
By K.P. Yohannan1.2K07:47PSA 2:8ISA 6:8MAT 9:38MAT 10:28MAT 16:24ACT 20:24PHP 1:21COL 4:21TH 5:17This sermon emphasizes the sacrifices and persecution faced by missionaries in the mission field, highlighting the extreme challenges and dangers they encounter for the sake of spreading the Gospel. It shares stories of missionaries being martyred, families torn apart, and individuals making the ultimate choice to surrender their lives to Christ despite the risks. The message calls for a deep commitment to prayer, intimacy with God, and a global perspective in Christian living, urging believers to dedicate time for fasting, prayer, and intercession for the nations.
A Man of God - Part 5
By Leonard Ravenhill1.2K09:362CH 7:14PSA 51:10MAT 6:6ACT 3:19ROM 12:2EPH 6:18COL 4:21TH 5:16HEB 4:16JAS 4:8This sermon emphasizes the need for genuine revival and a return to fervent prayer and true conversion. It contrasts the dedication and sacrifice of past revivals with the lukewarmness and lack of spiritual depth in contemporary Christianity. The speaker highlights the importance of seeking God's presence and power rather than relying on human efforts or entertainment in church services.
Book of Acts Series - Part 8 | Talking to God, to Men
By Jim Cymbala1.1K18:49Book Of ActsMAT 28:19JHN 3:16ACT 8:4COL 4:2In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of knowing and sharing the message of Jesus, which is the good news of salvation. He highlights that it is not necessary to have extensive knowledge of scripture, but rather to understand and proclaim that Christ died for our sins and rose again. The speaker emphasizes that everyone is called to speak this message, not just professional clergy, and that the early church practiced this by encouraging everyone to preach. He also emphasizes the need for clarity in speaking the message and the reliance on the Holy Spirit to guide and provide the words when sharing the gospel. Additionally, the speaker emphasizes the importance of prayer in opening doors for the message of the gospel to be proclaimed.
The Local Church 3 - Part 5
By William MacDonald1.1K06:49MAT 7:7ACT 2:42ROM 12:12EPH 6:18PHP 4:6COL 4:21TH 5:191TI 2:1HEB 4:16JAS 5:16This sermon emphasizes the power and importance of fervent and big prayers, drawing examples from historical figures like Alexander the Great and encouraging believers to approach God with bold requests. It highlights the significance of honoring God through the greatness of our prayers, reminding that prayer is more important than service and that we should seek guidance from the Holy Spirit in all aspects of our lives and worship.
The Ingredients of Closet Prayer
By Al Whittinghill1.1K1:03:16Private PrayerISA 45:11MAT 6:33LUK 18:1EPH 5:20COL 4:21TH 5:171TI 2:8The video is a sermon on the importance of prayer in the Christian life. The speaker emphasizes that prayer is essential and nothing else can take its place. They quote various scriptures that highlight the significance of prayer, such as praying without ceasing and giving thanks in everything. The speaker also mentions the power of prayer and how it aligns with God's will and purposes. They encourage the audience to actively engage in prayer and to have faith in God's ability to answer their prayers.
The Local Church 4 - Part 5
By William MacDonald1.0K07:40MAT 7:7ACT 13:2ROM 8:26EPH 6:18PHP 4:6COL 4:21TH 5:191TI 2:1HEB 4:16JAS 5:16This sermon emphasizes the importance of prayer, highlighting its power to accomplish miraculous feats, the need for fervent and big prayers that honor God, and the significance of prioritizing prayer over service. It also discusses the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding the assembly in various aspects, such as governance, worship, goals, fund dispersal, and public worship, urging believers not to quench the Spirit's leading.
How to Have a Real Revival Prayer Meeting
By Harold Vaughan70805:172CH 7:142CH 30:18PSA 85:6MAT 6:6LUK 11:1ACT 3:19ROM 12:12COL 4:21TH 5:17JAS 4:8This sermon emphasizes the need for revival in the church and individual lives, focusing on the importance of repentance, prayer, and a new surge of spiritual vigor to make Christians joyously sensitive to the Lord Jesus Christ and His cause. Various perspectives on revival are discussed, highlighting the necessity of a genuine revival prayer meeting and the proper motive for revival being the glory of God. The sermon also addresses the reasons for the lack of revival and the essential elements of revival, such as a hatred for sin, a love for God, a burden for souls, and zeal in the service of the Lord.
Prayer
By Hugh Morrison63044:251SA 12:23MRK 1:35LUK 5:16LUK 6:12ACT 6:4PHP 4:6COL 4:21TH 5:17JAS 5:16This sermon emphasizes the importance of giving attention to prayer in ministry, highlighting the example of the early church in Acts chapter 6. It challenges listeners to adjust their thinking, priorities, and whole life to prioritize prayer, as it is commanded by God, leads to communion with Him, and results in the greatest good being done. The sermon calls for repentance, determination, and a set focus on prayer as God's way for effective ministry.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Continue in prayer - This was the apostle's general advice to all; without this, neither wives, husbands, children, parents, servants, nor masters, could fulfill the duties which God, in their respective stations, required of them. All might, power, and life come from God; his creatures are continually dependent upon him for all these: to earnest, persevering prayer, he has promised every supply; but he who prays not has no promise. How few wives feel it their duty to pray to God to give them grace to behave as wives! How few husbands pray for the grace suited to their situation, that they may be able to fulfill its duties! The like may be said of children, parents, servants, and masters. As every situation in life has its peculiar duties, trials, etc.; so to every situation there is peculiar grace appointed. No man can fulfill the duties of any station without the grace suited to that station. The grace suited to him, as a member of society in general, will not be sufficient for him as a husband, father, or master. Many proper marriages become unhappy in the end, because the parties have not earnestly besought God for the grace necessary for them as husbands and wives. This is the origin of family broils in general; and a proper attention to the apostle's advice would prevent them all. Watch in the same - Be always on your guard; and when you have got the requisite grace by praying, take care of it, and bring it into its proper action by watchfulness; by which you will know when, and where, and how to apply it. With thanksgiving - Being always grateful to God, who has called you into such a state of salvation, and affords you such abundant means and opportunities to glorify him.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Continue--Greek, "Continue perseveringly," "persevere" (Eph 6:18), "watching thereunto"; here, "watch in the same," or "in it," that is, in prayer: watching against the indolence as to prayer, and in prayer, of our corrupt wills. with thanksgiving--for everything, whether joyful, or sorrowful, mercies temporal and spiritual, national, family, and individual (Co1 14:17; Phi 4:6; Th1 5:18).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Continue in prayer,.... This is not said particularly to masters, as in the foregoing verse, but to all the members of the church in general; for the apostle having taken notice of some special duties relating to persons in different stations of life, returns to such as were common to them all; as this of prayer to God is, for such prayer is intended; for though the object is not expressed here, he is in the following verse, and the Mediator Christ is supposed, and also the Holy Spirit, whose assistance is necessary to it. The things exhorted to, and required in prayer, are, first, as in this clause, continuance in it, which does not mean that men should be always formally praying to God; nor can it be thought that saints are always in praying frames of soul, though such are always desirable; but it intends frequency and constancy in prayer, in opposition to an entire restraint and omission of it, and to a performance of it but now and then, or very rarely; for though Christians are not, as the Jews were, bound to certain stated hours of prayer, so many times in a day, yet a day should not pass without prayer to God; for their daily cases call for it; their lives, their health, their daily bread, and all their temporal enjoyments, which depend on his daily goodness, providence, and power; their spiritual affairs, the renewing of the inward man day by day, fresh supplies of grace for new service; their daily trials and afflictions, their continued enemies, sin, Satan, and the world, all fully show the necessity of daily prayer: besides, God does not always immediately answer the prayers of his people, he will be sought unto time after time, even for a blessing he intends to give; and therefore the saints should not be discouraged, but continue in prayer till they receive the mercy, and their importunity is a means of enjoying it, as in the case of the poor widow; and which is an encouraging reason why men should pray always, and not faint. Add to this, that constant prayer is a means of keeping up a spiritual acquaintance, intercourse, and familiarity with God, and of the soul alive in the vigorous exercise of the graces of the Spirit, and of preserving the saints from temptations and sin; for, generally speaking, restraining prayer before God, and casting off his fear, go together. The next things requisite in prayer are watchfulness and thankfulness: and watch in the same with thanksgiving. There is not only a watchfulness unto it, previous to a man's entrance on it, as in Eph 6:18 but a watchfulness in it, which is opposed both to sleepiness of body, and to coldness and indifference of mind, to all careless airs and negligent manner of performing it; and designs an intenseness of mind, an application of thought, and fervency of devotion, and affection in it. It lies in a concern, that the heart be lift up, with the hands to God; in a care, that what is asked is according to the will of God, and that the whole be performed in sincerity, faith, and fear. This is what the Jews call , "the attention of prayer" (f), and , "the intention of the heart"; and which, they say (g), is the root of prayer, the main and principal thing in it; and that every prayer which is not with intention, is no prayer (h); and which, they observe, lies in this, that a man turns his heart from all (other) thoughts, and seems to himself as if he stood before the divine Majesty. To this thanksgiving must be added; see Phi 4:6 for this is well pleasing to God; and the contrary, an ungrateful spirit, is highly resented by him. Besides, a believer has always mercies to bless God for, as well as favours to ask at his hands; nor is he ever in such a situation, either in temporals or spirituals, but he has something to bless God for. Moreover, how should it be expected that a person should succeed in a present request, who is not thankful for a former kindness? (f) T. Bab. Bava Bathra, fol. 164. 2. & Sabbat, fol. 127. 1. (g) R. Aben Ezra in Psal. lxxviii. 37. (h) Maimon. Hilch. Tephilla, c. 4. sect. 15, 16.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
If this be considered as connected with the foregoing verse, then we may observe that it is part of the duty which masters owe their servants to pray with them, and to pray daily with them, or continue in prayer. They must not only do justly and kindly by them, but act a Christian and religious part, and be concerned for their souls as well as their bodies: "As parts of your charge, and under your influence, be concerned for the blessing of God upon them, as well as the success of your affairs in their hands." And this is the duty of every one - to continue in prayer. "Keep up your constant times of prayer, without being diverted from it by other business; keep your hearts close to the duty, without wandering or deadness, and even to the end of it: Watching the same." Christians should lay hold of all opportunities for prayer, and choose the fittest seasons, which are least liable to disturbance from other things, and keep their minds lively in the duty, and in suitable frames. - With thanksgiving, or solemn acknowledgment of the mercies received. Thanksgiving must have a part in every prayer. - Withal praying also for us, Col 4:3. The people must pray particularly for their ministers, and bear them upon their hearts at all times at the throne of grace. As if he had said, "Do not forget us, whenever you pray for yourselves," Eph 6:19; Th1 5:25; Heb 13:18. That God would open to us a door of utterance, that is, either afford opportunity to preach the gospel (so he says, a great door and effectual is opened to me, Co1 16:9), or else give me ability and courage, and enable me with freedom and faithfulness; so Eph 6:19, And for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds; that is, either the deepest doctrines of the gospel with plainness, of which Christ is the principal subject (he calls it the mystery of the gospel, Eph 6:19), or else he means the preaching of the gospel to the Gentile world, which he calls the mystery hidden from ages (Col 1:26) and the mystery of Christ, Eph 3:4. For this he was now in bonds. He was a prisoner at Rome, by the violent opposition of the malicious Jews. He would have them pray for him, that he might not be discouraged in his work, nor driven from it by his sufferings: "That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak, Col 4:4. That I may make this mystery known to those who have not heard of it, and make it plain to their understanding, in such a manner as I ought to do." He had been particular in telling them what he prayed for on their behalf, ch. 1. Here he tells them particularly what he would have them pray for on his behalf. Paul knew as well as any man how to speak; and yet he begged their prayers for him, that he might be taught to speak. The best and most eminent Christians need the prayers of meaner Christians, and are not above asking them. The chief speakers need prayer, that God would give them a door of utterance, and that they may speak as they ought to speak.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:2-6 New Testament letters often end with an exhortation to pray, along with requests for prayer. 4:2 with an alert mind: The Greek verb behind this phrase is used in the New Testament to portray the need for Christians to be watchful in light of Christ’s return (Matt 24:42; 25:13; Mark 13:35, 37; 1 Thes 5:6; Rev 3:3; 16:15).