Watch unto Prayer
1 Pet.4:7
Peter, believing that the end of all things is at hand, encourages us to be sober, and watch unto prayer. The context of this passage would call for us to be attentive to the events around us and by doing that, cause us to pray, thus watch unto prayer. Really, in some form, that is exactly how prayer works. Prayer is encouraged by the things around us. The folks here on a Wednesday night are here knowing that a big part of our service will be devoted to prayer for missionaries and others. Many of us come with prayer request that we want to allow others to pray for. I believe that the Lord wants us to do more “watching” and thus more and better praying.
Eph.6:18 Praying is a part of the armour of God. But look there is an “and” following the prayer part. “… watching thereunto”, so watching is a vital part of our prayer armour. “…for all saints” we ought to be watching out for each other
Matt.26:36-41 Verse 38, he asked them to watch. Verse 40, could ye not watch with me… Jesus didn’t ask them to pray, just to watch. He had told them the events that were coming, He just asked them to watch his back. I believe that is what Paul is trying to tell us. Verse 41, “Watch and pray”… “the flesh is weak” (remember this)
Eph.6:18 Watching should promote prayer, and we should be watching out for each other. Paul tells us how this watching should work: With all perseverance and supplication – persistence, Lk.18:1 don’t give up/ your flesh is weak Heb.11:6, it pays off, We ought to be ever watching for opportunities to pray for others
Acts 20:28-31 Paul was warning the church elders to watch for grievous wolves… Verse 30, of your own selves’ men… the enemy from within… Speaking perverse things Prov.6:16-19 soweth discord, 1 Pet.4:15 busybodies, These things are to be watched for, and cause prayers to be sent to God.
Eph.6:19 Paul is requesting Present needs, opportunity and liberty – to speak – all of us ! Your pastor, wisdom, health, peace, travel, marriage, encouragement, devil. Your husband, wives, parents, missionaries, and every one of us need this. Future needs, children, grandchildren, young families – wicked world, schools, future spouses. Past needs, God has surely answered prayer in your life
Colossians 4:2-4 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.
Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
Watch unto prayer.
Prayer is a part of our armour and watching out for each other is to be included in that work, thus “watch unto prayer”. Why don’t you ask one of your brothers in Christ for something that you can pray for them, then get about doing it.