2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
2 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;
2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.
2 Pray diligently. Stay alert, with your eyes wide open in gratitude.
2 Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving;
2 Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.
21 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people-
21 I exhort
21 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people,
21 The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.
21 Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men,
21 I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them.
(Read 1 Timothy 2:1-7)
The disciples of Christ must be praying people; all, without distinction of nation, sect, rank, or party. Our duty as Christians, is summed up in two words; godliness, that is, the right worshipping of God; and honesty, that is, good conduct toward all men. These must go together: we are not truly honest, if we are not godly, and do not render to God his due; and we are not truly godly, if not honest. What is acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour, we should abound in. There is one Mediator, and that Mediator gave himself a ransom for all. And this appointment has been made for the benefit of the Jews and the Gentiles of every nation; that all who are willing may come in this way, to the mercy-seat of a pardoning God, to seek reconciliation with him. Sin had made a quarrel between us and God; Jesus Christ is the Mediator who makes peace. He is a ransom that was to be known in due time. In the Old Testament times, his sufferings, and the glory that should follow, were spoken of as things to be revealed in the last times. Those who are saved must come to the knowledge of the truth, for that is God's appointed way to save sinners: if we do not know the truth, we cannot be ruled by it.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Colossians 4:2
Commentary on Colossians 4:2-6
(Read Colossians 4:2-6)
No duties can be done aright, unless we persevere in fervent prayer, and watch therein with thanksgiving. The people are to pray particularly for their ministers. Believers are exhorted to right conduct towards unbelievers. Be careful in all converse with them, to do them good, and recommend religion by all fit means. Diligence in redeeming time, commends religion to the good opinion of others. Even what is only carelessness may cause a lasting prejudice against the truth. Let all discourse be discreet and seasonable, as becomes Christians. Though it be not always of grace, it must always be with grace. Though our discourse be of that which is common, yet it must be in a Christian manner. Grace is the salt which seasons our discourse, and keeps it from corrupting. It is not enough to answer what is asked, unless we answer aright also.