Intro: Prayer is interacting [talking] with God and seeking his favor [grace]. When we pray, we are addressing our Creator and Maker; the One who loves us more than any other. No One cares for us spiritually, emotionally, or physical more than God. Our prayers to him can be filled with emotion and desires and God welcomes us to pour out our souls to him. Have you ever just sat and cried with God? Maybe our prayers are filled with praise and gratitude and God welcomes every one. When is the last time you just sat and praise God for every blessing he has poured into your life or the lives of your loved ones? Prayer can be motivated by need, so we petition God and he listens to the cries of our hearts and rises to be our Provider and Healer. Do you realize every good thing that has touched your life comes from God and every power you need is at his command? Every human being has much to pray about each day. Will you spend some time in prayer, today?
In our passage from the Apostle Paul and his letter to the Colossians, we are encouraged to devote ourselves to prayer and thanksgiving; we must never grow tired of praying. Paul asks believers to pray for him that he would be alert to the evangelistic opportunities given to him while he is in jail; he wants to make the gospel of salvation clear to others who may be facing death. As believers, we should be praying for those opportunities, as well. There are people around us who may not know Christ; they may not realize the salvation he offers. So, who will tell them, if you and I don’t?
Colossians 4:2-5 NLT An Encouragement for Prayer
2 Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. 3 Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ. That is why I am here in chains. 4 Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should.
5 Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity.
Prayer: Lord, help us to be watchful and vigilant with every opportunity to share your love and message of salvation. We pray for ourselves; we need you in every area of our lives. Give us courage to step into the opportunities we are given to share Christ with others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.