A Simple Farmer’s Wife Who Prayed

Before doing this study, please read this 1-minute devotion about a faithful grandmother who prayed for her family: Behind-the-Scene Prayer Warrior. In this devotion, I talk my grandmother's strong witness in my life. She wasn't rich or famous, but her life impacted me and many others in a powerful way, through her prayers and humble her witness. 

We often underestimate the power of quiet, behind-the-scenes Christians. Most of us would be surprised how much they impact God's kingdom through their faithful prayers. No wonder so many Scriptures encourage us to pray!

1. Before Paul gives the commands to pray in Colossians 4:2 and Ephesians 6:18, he shares responsibilities of the Christian life.

Note the similarities between Ephesians 6 and Colossians 3. 

In the verses below, identify words like "watchful" which describe the attitudes we should have in prayer.

Colossians 4:2: Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 

The Amplified translation adds some additional details to this verse:

Colossians 4:2: Be persistent and devoted to prayer, being alert and focused in your prayer life with an attitude of thanksgiving. 

 

Ephesians 6:18: And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. 

 

2. How do the passages below encourage us when praying for family members?

Philippians 4:6: Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

1 Thessalonians 5:17: Never stop praying. 

Romans 12:12: Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 

For more insights, I encourage you to check out The Healthy Prayer Life series of 1-minute devotions.

Bite Size Bible Study
copyright 2017, Gail Burton Purath, Bite Size Bible Study, updated and edited in 2022