Devoted to Prayer
Colossians 4:2 – 4 Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.
What does it mean to devote oneself to prayer? What would you say you are devoted to? Paul encouraged the Colossians to make that kind of life commitment. Prayer is not a duty. For the devoted believer in Jesus, it is a privilege to come before Him, listen to him and pray according to His will. But this is not just about getting through our requests. Vigilant prayer is as much about thanksgiving – gratitude for His goodness and reminding ourselves of what He has done.
In that devotion to prayer, Paul asks that his team be remembered. He asks for prayers for a door to open for the message they were proclaiming. This is an essential prayer for all those who preach. Unless God opens the doors of hearts to hear, our labor will produce few results.
He also asks for prayers that he might proclaim it clearly. Spiritual truths must be expressed in words. The preacher’s ministry is to find the right words so that the message will be clear and understood.
Paul asked the Colossians to be wise in the way they acted toward those outside the family of faith. What a need we have for this today! We must act in wisdom, realizing that God may give us an opportunity to speak the truth to them. Every person we meet we must consider a potential child of God seeking the truth. Our actions and speech should always represent Christ.
Pointers for Prayer
- Pray that we have a door opened to share the message and for the ability to express it clearly.
- Endurance to continue in prayer and not give up.
- Thank God for all He has done for you and shown you of Himself