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In the very early issues of Joints and Bands (numbers 2-17) there are brief articles by
Stuart Allen on prayer which are worthy of reprinting. The following points have been
taken from those articles:
"Continue in prayer" means to persevere, to concentrate, and regard prayer as a matter
of urgency.
"Epaphras . . . . . labouring fervently for you in prayers" (Col. 4: 12). The intense
prayers of Epaphras are indicated by the literal translation of `labouring fervently'--
which is `agonizing'. He agonized in prayer.
The word to `watch' means to be on the alert, to refrain from sleep. The reverse of
watching is given in Acts 12: 5-16 where we read of Peter being in prison and prayer
was made without ceasing for him. But when he was released from prison and knocked
at the door, he had to wait because they did not believe that their prayers had been
answered.
When should we pray? Pray without ceasing! Be in constant communion with the
Lord under all circumstances. Stuart Allen writes:
"Effective prayer puts God first, others second, self last."
"Effective prayer is based on the Word of God."
When David prayed to the Lord, after he was told that Solomon would build the house
of the Lord, and that the house of David would be established for ever, David prayed "Do
as thou hast said" (II Sam. 7: 25). As David based his prayer on the promise he had
received of the Lord, so let us base our prayers on the promises that the Lord has made to
us and pray with thanksgiving.
Our Lord Jesus Christ often prayed to His Father and we have many examples of His
prayers. He prayed "Thy will be done". As we pray, may we always pray, not that we
should have our own way, but that the will of the Lord may be done.
Paul also is an example for us as he prayed and submitted his life to the will of the
Lord. May we ever rejoice that we have access to the Father:
"For through Him we have both access by one Spirit unto the Father" (Eph. 2: 18).
"No man cometh unto the Father, but by me" (John 14: 6).
So it is very important that one of our Christian attitudes should be prayerfulness.
How often we fail in this! Let us remember that prayer is an essential part of our spiritual
life. May we lift up our hearts and minds to God in prayer and realize His presence with
us throughout the day.
"Continue (as a matter of urgency) in prayer and watch (be on the alert) in the same
with thanksgiving" (Col. 4: 2).