Watchful, Prayerful, Thankful: Living with Gospel Alertness

By Dave Jenkins
Gratitude That Endures: Cultivating Thankful Hearts in Christ

Colossians 4:2–4

“Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us,
that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison—
that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.”

As Paul concludes his letter to the Colossians, he reminds believers that because Jesus is Lord over all,
they possess every spiritual blessing through their union with Him. Flowing from that glorious reality is a call
to cultivate a life marked by steadfast prayer, watchfulness, and thanksgiving. As sons and daughters adopted
into God’s family, we have direct and confident access to the Father (Hebrews 4:14–16). And we are to come before
Him with grateful hearts (Colossians 4:2).

The Purpose of Watchfulness

Paul commands the Colossians to “be watchful.” The same word, grēgoreō, appears in 1 Corinthians 16:13,
meaning to stay awake, alert, and vigilant. It is the opposite of spiritual sleep. Scripture uses this term for both
physical awakeness and spiritual attentiveness.

• 1 Thessalonians 5:6 calls believers to “keep awake and be sober.”
• 1 Thessalonians 5:10 speaks of being spiritually alive rather than dead.
• 1 Corinthians 16:13 exhorts Christians to wake up—to stop drifting and start discerning.

Paul’s instruction is clear: the Christian life demands alertness.

The Christian Life Is One of Alertness

To follow Christ faithfully requires understanding the times, evaluating what we see, and recognizing the adversary’s work. A sleepy Christian is a vulnerable Christian. The Corinthians were not watching, and they suffered for it. Paul urges the Colossians to remain vigilant so they will not drift in the same way. Jesus gave the same warning in Mark 14:38: “Watch and pray, that you may not enter into temptation.”

Peter echoes this urgency:

“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”
— 1 Peter 5:8

Satan devours those who nap spiritually. His strategies never change appealing to the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (1 John 2:16). He comes in these three waves again and again. Every Christian must learn his schemes.

Dear Christian, do not drift into the enemy’s trap. Stay awake.

Be Watchful and Alert to Temptation

Temptation surrounds us. To walk through the world unguarded is to invite danger. Watchfulness means keeping your eyes open recognizing what feeds sin and avoiding what weakens your resolve.

Be Watchful for Apathy and Indifference

Paul warns not only against temptation but also against spiritual apathy. God does not call His people to “coast” into heaven. A loving Father disciplines His children so they grow in holiness (Hebrews 12:5–11). When a Christian becomes comfortable with sin, no longer battling it, he or she is in real spiritual danger.

Watch your heart. Guard against indifference. Stay tender to conviction.

Be Watchful for False Teachers

Christians must also guard against false doctrine. False teachers contradict Scripture and refuse to live according to sound doctrine.

Paul instructs Timothy:

“As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.”
— 2 Timothy 4:5

Ground yourself in the Word (2 Timothy 3:16–17). Know truth so well that error is immediately recognizable.

Be Watchful in Prayer

Watchfulness fuels prayer, and prayer strengthens watchfulness. You cannot pray intelligently unless you understand what is happening around you.

• 1 Peter 4:7 calls believers to be sober-minded “for the sake of your prayers.”
• Ephesians 6:18 urges us to “keep alert with all perseverance,” praying at all times.

Prayer is not passive. It requires attentiveness to needs, temptations, spiritual battles, and opportunities.

Be Watchful for the Second Coming of Christ

Christians live expectantly.

“Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.”
— Matthew 25:13

We watch our lives and long for Christ’s return (2 Timothy 4:6–8). Hope sharpens vigilance.

Thankfulness Is a Posture of the Heart

Paul also instructs believers to pray “with thanksgiving.” Gratitude keeps the heart warm toward God. It re-centers us on Christ’s finished work and the abundance of grace we have received (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

A thankful heart is a heart anchored in grace.

Final Thoughts

In Colossians 4:3–4, Paul asks the church to pray for open doors to share Christ clearly even while he sits in prison. His request teaches us something important: every Christian can support the spread of the gospel through prayer.

You may never preach from behind a pulpit, but your faithful prayers open doors for those who do.

Jesus says the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few (Matthew 9:37). By being watchful, prayerful, and thankful, you can have a profound kingdom impact right where God has placed you.

• Your hospitality can introduce Christ to others.
• Your workplace can become a mission field.
• Parents and grandparents can shape generations.
• Singles can serve with undivided devotion.

Wherever you are, God has given you gifts, influence, and opportunities.

Ask yourself:

• Am I steadfast in prayer?
• Am I alert to Satan’s schemes?
• Am I thankful for the grace of Christ?
• Am I praying faithfully for pastors, missionaries, and church leaders?

Paul’s encouragement in Colossians 4:2–4 is simple and life-shaping: Be prayerful. Be watchful. Be thankful.

If these qualities feel weak in your life, confess your need to the Lord. Cast yourself upon Christ, your Advocate. He will forgive, cleanse, and empower you to keep growing in grace (1 John 1:9; 2:1).

May a life of watchfulness, prayer, and thankfulness mark us as those who belong to Christ.

For more from our latest series please visit: Gratitude That Endures: Cultivating Thankful Hearts in Christ