Daily devotion – if only you had asked….
Colossians 4:2–4
“Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.”
Paul writes with expectation and assurance that all believers actually pray—and not only pray, but do so earnestly.
The word “continue” here carries rich meaning: to persevere, to be steadfast, to remain constantly ready and attentive. It’s not a casual or occasional activity. Prayer, Paul says, is something to give unrelenting attention to.
We are also to be vigilant—alert, awake, active in our prayer life. Prayer isn’t a sleepy ritual—it’s a powerful, living connection with the Almighty God. And all of it is to be done with thanksgiving—because every prayer is a reminder of the grace and privilege we’ve received through Christ.
Yes, others from different religions pray. But here’s the difference: no one listens—except the living God. The Bible declares that the Lord is near to all who call on Him in truth (Psalm 145:18). When a Christian prays, heaven listens. Not because of our words, but because of who hears our prayers—the Creator of all things. And because we ask in Jesus name!
This is what makes prayer powerful: not us, but God. He hears. He cares. He answers.
Those who don’t pray, don’t truly believe God can do anything. So they rely on themselves—and often, the results speak for themselves. But the believer who continues earnestly in prayer knows that God is able, and that through prayer, God works to bring about His will.
Paul believed in the power of prayer—so much so that he asked the churches to pray specifically that God would open doors for the Gospel. What a powerful prayer for us to echo today:
“Lord, open doors for Calvary Chapel Secret Harbour. Lead us to people, homes, workplaces, schools—wherever hearts are ready—to bring the life-giving message of Jesus Christ.”
I urge you: if you treat prayer like a dentist visit—only when there’s an emergency—it’s time to check your spiritual temperature. If you truly love the Lord, if you understand the immeasurable grace that’s been given to you through Jesus’ death and resurrection, then prayer will become a joy, not a chore.
Don’t miss out on the peace, direction, and blessing that come through prayer—simply because you didn’t ask.
“You do not have because you do not ask.” – James 4:2
Let us be a people marked by constant, vibrant, thankful prayer—watching and waiting for God to do what only He can do.