Colossians 4:2-6 (NIV)
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
As Paul draws his letter to a close, he focuses on two key areas: prayer and witness.
Paul understood that prayer is the mightiest force on earth. Prayer touches the very heart of God and moves His hand. Jesus Himself used prayer as a vehicle to stay closely connected to God, to receive guidance so that He was always exactly in the center of God’s will, to receive His daily bread, provision for each day, and to receive the supernatural power He needed each day to complete the tasks the Father assigned to Him.
Paul knew that he needed that supernatural guidance and provision each day, and so did the Colossian Christians. So, he urged them to pray powerfully and continually, and to pray for him, too, so that he could be a powerful witness every day, even while he was in chains.
And Paul urged the Colossians to be alert for opportunities in their every dealing with outsiders. Every day there are divine opportunities all around every believer to share their testimony, to bring God into contact with a needy life, and to transform a small corner of their world. But it takes clear spiritual sight an intentionality to see and step boldly into those opportunities.
Father, these are really good reminders for me today. It is easy to sometimes get distracted by all that is on my to do list and let prayer slide. But that means that I will be going about my day, doing important things, spiritually blind and without your supernatural power. And I know that I miss opportunities to share your love with those around me because I am too focused on my own agenda, thus missing out on great blessings and on spaces into which I can step in Your power to change a life simply by caring and sharing. Lord, give me a heart today that hungers and thirsts for you, a heart that aches for those who are walking in darkness today, so that I will pray without ceasing, and so that You can then work through me to touch and change lives today. Amen.