The Pulpit Commentary — Colossians — Section 244

Ver. 2.-Steridfastness in prayer. I. IT IS GREATLY NEEDED. 'l'he seven deacons were chosen partly in order that the apostles might not be hindered by temporal alfairs from continuing steadfastly in prayer (Acts vi. 4). St. Paul exhorts the Reiman Christians to this same steadfastness (Rom. xii. 12). It is requisite on many accounts. 1. There are never wanting subjects that claim our prayers. 2. When we are least i11dined, to p,ay we are in most need of prayer. 3. Only constant prayer can be pro- foundly spiritual. It is the ever-flowing stream that wears the deep water-course. The bird that soars high must be much on the wing. 4. Steadfastness in prayer is rewarded by Divine resp011ses; e.g. Abraham's intercession for Sodom, the parable of the importunate widow, etc. IL IT 1s A SIGN OF SPIRITUAL HEALTH. After the ascension of their Lord the early Christians continued steadfastly in prayer (Acts i. 14); so did the converts of thii day of Pentecost (Acts ii. 42). 1. It shows a spiritual tone of mind. We may pray in special need without this, and we may pray at set seasons of devotion without it. But to live in an atmosphere of prayer, to pray because it is natural to us to talk with God, because we love communion with him, because prayer is our vital breath, and so to pray without ceasing from inward devotion rather than frvtn external prompting,-all this is a sign of ·true spirituality. 2. It shows spiritual vigour. S.uch prayer is .no mere listless droning of empty phrases, no sudden burst of temporary ejaculations. It implies a strong, deep energy of devotion. III. IT IS DIFFICULT TO MAINTAIN. It is easy to cry out to God in great _extremities. Prayerless men pray under such circumstances. It is easy, too, to pray when we are in :, mood of devotion. The difficulty is to continue steadfastly in prayer. The hindrances are numerons. 1. Lack of interesti11g subjects of prayer. There may be nothing that touches us as a great want or strongly appeals to our sympathies at some seasons like the dire needs and touching claims that inspire our petitions at other times. 2. External distractions. The pressure of business, the din of the world's affairs, uncon- _genial society, even too absorbing Church work, especially in this age of rich activity and meagre contemplation, check prayer. 3. Internal hindrances. We are not alway11 in the mood for prayer, Sometimes- " Hosannas le.nguieh on our lips, .And onr devotion dies." This may result from physical weariness. The spirit may be willing though the flesh is weak. We should then turn aside and rest awhile from the tiring work of the world. But it may result from sin. Sin is the greatest hindrance to prayer. IV. IT MAY BE MAINTAINED DY THE GBACE OF Gon. 1. It is not to be revived in weaknes6 by greater assiduity in formal devotioo. It is a fatal mistake to confound long prayers with steadfast prayers, and to suppose that spending more time in saying prayers will strengthen our enfeebled spirit of prayer. It will have the opposite effect. Nothing binders true prayer so much as continuing the form of devotion without th& JlOwer. 2. The recret is to seek the reviving Spirit of God. If prayer is growing faint, there may still be energy for uttering the petition, "My soul cleaveth uuto the dust: quicken thou me according to thy Word" (I's. cxb.. 25). All true prayer is an inspira- OH, IV. 1-18.) 'l'HE EPIS'l'LE TO THE COLOSSIANS. 2H