What if the secret to a dynamic and mature spiritual life is not found in reading the right book, listening to the right preacher or discovering the perfect model of spirituality?
What if it’s just a matter of repeating a few basic practices again and again, without giving up?
In Colossians 4:2, Paul concludes his instructions to the church with a call to prayer.
Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.
To continue steadfastly is to “to continue to do something with intense effort despite difficulty”.
Prayer is hard.
The moment I sit down to pray I begin to wrestle. Against my flesh. Against the spiritual forces of darkness. Sometimes I may even find myself wrestling with God, like Jacob.
It’s hard.
But the moment prayer feels like wrestling is the moment we are just getting started in one of the most essential activities of our lives.
Paul trained disciples of Jesus to prepare for the struggle.
To pray and keep on praying – faithful, watchful and grateful.
Friends, today you and I have the opportunity to walk with God and partner in his kingdom through prayer.
Who knows what might happen in the world because of your prayers today?
Tom Brown is the planting pastor of Vintage Faith Church in Wichita. Tom and his wife, Mandy, have worked together in ministry for over 20 years and have four children. More about Pastor Tom Brown