Tim Keller Quote from chapter 15:

“Paul said we should ‘pray without ceasing’ (1 Thess. 5:17), meaning that we should, if possible, do everything all day with conscious reference to God (1 Cor. 10:31). There should be background music of thankfulness and joy behind every incident in our day, audible only to us (Col. 3:16-17). This kind of spontaneous and constant prayer during the day should be a habit of the heart. We will never develop it, however, unless we take up the discipline of regular, daily prayer.” (Keller, Prayer, pg. 240)

Primary Bible Scripture for the week:

Colossians 4:2 (ESV)

2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. 

Philippians 4:5-7 (ESV)

5b The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV)

16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 

Study and Reflection Questions:

In Keller’s book, Prayer, chapter 15 focuses on applying prayer in our lives regularly. Keller stresses the importance of prayer as a daily practice. He challenges us to be disciplined and diligent in our prayer time.

Read Colossians 4:2. Paul is ending his letter to the church of Colossae with some final instructions on Christian living. In this verse what spiritual discipline is Paul exhorting the believers in Colossae to adhere to? What are the three primary adverbs that Paul uses to characterize Christian prayer?

To be steadfast in prayer means to be strong and devoted. On one hand pray boldly with the expectation that God will answer. On the other hand pray persistently when you don’t hear God’s answer clearly. Practically speaking how would you describe what steadfast prayer looks like in one’s life? 

To be watchful in prayer means to be aware and alert. Aware of God working in all things. Alert to the trappings of the world around you. How does prayer help us with both awareness of God and alertness to sin?

To be thankful in prayer includes experiencing both delight and humility. We are to be delighted in all circumstances, because God is always at work. We are humbled in the realization that God is including us in His plan to renew and redeem all of creation. Think about the least favorite part of your past week. Can you see a way to be thankful to God for it? Discuss your thoughts on this.

The Apostle Paul ends many of his letters (epistles) with an exhortation to remain in prayer. In addition to Colossians 4:2, read above: Philippians 4:5-7 and 1Thessalonians 5:16-18. What characteristics of prayer do you observe are shared in these verses? Just as Paul encourages his readers to abide in prayer at the end of his letters it seems fitting that we end this series with a similar exhortation. What are some realistic ways you can grow your prayer life with God? How will you “continue steadfastly” in prayer? Pray to God that He help you succeed in this endeavor.