Introductory Thoughts
Many Bible passages connect watchfulness and prayer. While preaching sounds the trumpet of alarm in the ears of men, prayer sounds the alarm in the ears of God. As a watchman, each believer has a responsibility to his brother or sister in Christ. While some believers are spiritually sleeping, unaware of their present danger, other believers ought to be standing upon the tower of watchfulness and calling upon the Lord. This was the point of Paul’s teaching in Ephesians 6:18 when he said, “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.”
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): God wants us to watch and pray (Colossians 4:2). Epaphras prayed for his friends that they would do right (Colossians 4:12). When Peter was in prison, the church prayed for him because they knew he had previously denied the Lord (Acts 12:5).
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(For everyone): How is praying for others similar to the work of a watchman? When is the last time you acted as a watchman for other brothers and sisters in Christ?
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Who has been standing upon the watchtower on your behalf? Have you thanked them for their labours? What troubles have you avoided because of their faithfulness?
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask the Lord to make you a prayerful watchman.
- Thank the Lord for those who have watched in prayer for you.
Song
Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus
