Session 1

How to be steadfast in prayer

From NewSpring at Home: A Study on Colossians

Scripture

“Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison...” - Colossians 4:2-3

Observation

To be steadfast is to be “resolutely or dutifully firm and unwavering.” 

If you’ve ever tried to get a guard outside Buckingham Palace to blink, you’ve seen a picture of what it means to be unwavering. That same level of conviction and resolve is what Paul tells the church to have toward prayer. 

Our prayers are powerful. Conversations with God change us and the world around us. Pastor Louie Giglio once said, “If we only knew what was happening when we pray, we would never cease to pray.”

We won’t know the full extent of how our prayers are answered on this side of eternity. But one day, we will. So don’t give up. Keep praying. Keep watching. And celebrate as you see God at work around you. 

Application

• Is there anything you’ve given up praying for? If so, what?
  
• One way to practice praying without ceasing is to make God our first call. Try this for the next 24 hours: Whenever something gets you excited, frustrated, confused, or worried, tell God about it before you tell your spouse, best friend, or coworker. Talk to Him like you would a friend and ask for His help. 

Prayer

Father, you want to hear from me about anything and everything, and I love that about you. You have the power to change the things that frustrate me, and you empower me to tackle the things that fill my day. Thank you for reminding me what a powerful gift you’ve given me in prayer!