Perseverance (4343) (proskarteresis from pros = direction - toward + kartereo = be strong, steadfast, firm) (See also word study of the related verb proskartereo) means to continue to do something with intense effort with the possible implication of doing so despite difficulties. Proskarteresis pictures one's devotion to the task, keeping on it, persisting in it, being earnest towards (pros) it. Proskarteresis describes a steadfast single-minded fidelity (faithfulness) to a certain course of action, in this case prayer for the needs of all the saints (regardless of where they attend church or to which denomination they belong). It describes an obstinate persistence, a keeping on task with devotion, a continuing with intense effort, a steadfast attention toward (in Eph 6:18 toward) praying, a giving of unremitting care toward praying, a continuation all the time in a place, a spirit which does not faint, a constant diligence toward praying, assiduous attention toward praying. The root verb proskartereo is used in Mark 3:9 where Jesus instructs “His disciples to have a boat ready (proskartereo) for Him because of the crowd, so that they would not crowd Him (in essence not crush Him).” A boat was to be set apart, in a sense devoted for the Master's use, for the purpose of taking Jesus away in case the crowd became threatening. “Devoted” then conveys the idea of dedicated for a task, appointed for it, here in Eph 6:18 devoted to the task of praying for all our brethren (The Global Prayer Digest is a great tool to use to motivate you to pray for unreached people groups, that they might receive Christ and enter into the family as brothers and sisters in Christ) . The root verb proskartereo is also used in Paul's command to the saints at Colossae to... Devote (present imperative) yourselves to prayer (Just try to obey this command in the strength of your fallen flesh! You can't! You must cast off self reliance and put on Spirit of Christ reliance, yielding to His enabling power to accomplish this supernatural effect of continual devotion to prayer), keeping alert (gregoreuo in present tense = continual and also in an "imperative sense") in it with an attitude (How you think! Who or what do you think about? Your problems? Or God? His Word? Christ in you? etc, if the latter, then you will be filled with His Spirit Who energizes a grateful heart - see Eph 5:18-note and Eph 5:20-note) of thanksgiving 3 praying at the same time for us as well, that God may open up to us a door for the word (the Gospel), so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned (Col 4:2-3-note) John MacArthur illustrates perseverance... When the coal truck delivered a ton of coal on the sidewalk in front of her house, a little London girl took her small shovel and began carrying the coal into the basement. When a neighbor man who was watching told her, “You’ll never be able to get it all in,” she replied, “Oh, I will sir, if I work long enough.” The test of a person’s character is what it takes to stop him. Some people retreat as soon as the first shot is fired, while others fight through battle after battle with no thought of giving up. Satan will try every means to discourage and deter us, reminding us of defeats and dangers and setting every possible object in our way to destroy our assurance in Christ. (MacArthur, J: Ephesians. Chicago: Moody Press) My Soul Be on Thy Guard by George Heath My soul, be on thy guard; Ten thousand foes arise; The hosts of sin are pressing hard To draw thee from the skies. O watch, and fight, and pray; The battle ne’er give o’er; Renew it boldly every day, And help divine implore. Never think the victory won, Nor lay thine armor down; The work of faith will not be done, Till thou obtain the crown. Fight on, my soul, till death Shall bring thee to thy God; He’ll take thee, at thy parting breath, To His divine abode. "Copy and paste the address below into your web browser in order to go to the original page which will allow you to access live links related to the material on this page - these links include Scriptures (which can be read in context), Scripture pop-ups on mouse over, and a variety of related resources such as Bible dictionary articles, commentaries, sermon notes and theological journal articles related to the topic under discussion." http://www.preceptaustin.org/ephesians_618-20.htm#Perseverance