Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Colossians 4:2

"Continue stedfastly in prayer, watching therein with thanksgiving;" — Colossians 4:2 (ASV)

Here is a general appeal for prayerfulness. The word for “devote yourselves” (GK 4674) is built on a root meaning “to be strong.” It always connotes earnest adherence to a person or thing; here it implies persistence and fervor (cf. Acts 1:14; 2:46; 6:5; Romans 12:12). “Being watchful” (lit., “keeping awake”; GK 1213) suggests constant spiritual alertness. So Christians must be watchful and active in prayer, alive in the fullest sense, never careless, mechanical, or dull and heavy (cf. Matthew 26:41; Mark 14:38; 1 Thessalonians 5:6; 1 Peter 5:8). “Being thankful” refers to the spirit in which prayers should be offered (cf. Php 4:6).