Don’t be weary in prayer; keep at it; watch for God’s answers, and remember to be thankful when they come. Colossians 4:2, TLB

Have you ever experienced prayer fatigue?  I'm not talking about the physical weariness of kneeling too long or the late night nodding off when praying from our pillows.  I'm talking about losing heart in prayer, when the initial fervor of pressing a certain petition flickers out in discouragement or unbelief.  While this is an experience we all know to some degree, I believe God invites us to persevere in prayer, to "always pray and not give up" (Lk. 18:1, NIV), especially when interceding for others to stand strong in Jesus (Col. 4:12).

In Colossians 4:2, Paul urges us to not grow weary in prayer but instead to remain expectant, watchful, and grateful for the ways God answers.  But what kind of prayers should we endure in?  Where should we be looking for God's answers to our enduring prayers?  

In context, Paul's prayer appeal immediately follows his exhortations about Christ-centered relationships in the home (Col. 3:18-4:1).  

Wow, if we ever needed to persevere in prayer, it's in interceding for our family -- pleading for the health of our family relationships and the salvation of each one in our inner circle!

Like the woman of Shunem who sought help for her already deceased son, let us not be weary in praying for the spiritual revival of those we hold dear, especially our children -- no matter how young or old they may be.  

Friends, we can keep presenting our loved ones to the God who has pledged Himself to fight for and save our children (Isa. 49:25).  

If you are a parent who has wept over the well-being of your kids, if you are a believer who has cried over the spiritual captivity of a brother or sister in Christ, I invite you to read these promises of Jeremiah 31:15-17 and daily claim them in faith-filled prayer for your friends and family in need of spiritual resurrection:

Thus says the Lord:

“A voice was heard in Ramah, Lamentation and bitter weeping, Rachel weeping for her children, Refusing to be comforted for her children, Because they are no more.”

Thus says the Lord:

“Refrain your voice from weeping, And your eyes from tears; For your work shall be rewarded, says the Lord, And they shall come back from the land of the enemy.  There is hope in your future, says the Lord, That your children shall come back to their own border."