Colossians 4:2

τῇ προσευχῇ. Generic. Contrast Colossians 4:12. Probably suggested by the thought of appealing to the one Master in heaven.

προσκαρτερεῖτε. Romans 12:12; Acts 1:14; Acts 6:4.

The “staunchness” of καρτερέω (cf. Hebrews 11:27†) is modified by πρός to mean “persevering attendance.” Thus Mark 3:9; Acts 10:7. It is thus the opposite of ἐνκακεῖν (Luke 18:1), and is similar to (though more vivid than) ἀδιαλείπτως προσεύχεσθε, 1 Thessalonians 5:17. As a colloquial translation we might say “Stick to prayer.” In || Ephesians 6:18 the substantive is employed.

γρηγοροῦντες, “alert” (“a l’herte, i.e. on the watch,” Skeat). Often misinterpreted as though it were a charge to be watching for the answer to prayer. In reality St Paul is warning against drowsiness (1 Thessalonians 5:6), inattention, and sluggishness in either the act or the habit of prayer. || Ephesians 6:18, ἀγρυπνοῦντες.

ἐν εὐχαριστίᾳ. On εὐχαριστία see Colossians 2:7 and Colossians 1:3, notes. Either marking the state in which they, as vigilant people, must be, or, more probably, “specifying the particular accompaniment or concomitant act with which ἡ προσ. was to be associated” (Ell.).

Beet well says “ceaseless prayer combined with ceaseless praise was the atmosphere of St Paul’s spiritual life.” Chrysostom on this passage gives a beautiful prayer of a certain saintly man whom he knew, which begins with thanksgiving for all kinds of treatment, good or evil.