Colossians 4:2-6
“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.3 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. 4 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. 5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
- PRAYER – Verses 2-4
- Power of Prayer
Paul’s teaching on prayer is nothing new, it’s not a new play, its simply persistence to pursue God’s plan. Our captain Jesus Christ is calling us to prayer, because prayer is the place of power. If we want to see people pursuing God then we must be found in prayer with God. We live in a place where prayer is not only unpopular it’s prohibited but this is nothing new. Thousands of years ago Daniel was prohibited from praying to God, he prayed anyway and everyone experienced God’s power. If you and I want to see the mouths of the lions shut and the people shout praise as they proclaim the name of Jesus it starts with pray. We can’t bring the power of the new life to people without prayer. So often we try to share about God’s power without seeking His power.
- Purpose of Prayer
Prayer is not just about bring God’s power to people. It is more about being than doing.
1. Prayer reminds us of God’s position.
2. Prayer refreshes us through relationship with God – Prayer is not just about petitioning God it’s about the presence of God.
3. Prayer reassures us of the Redeemer’s peace – Without prayer we end up in panic
4. Prayer reignites our passion – Nothing drains and derails us faster than distance. As we drift our desire drifts.
5. Prayer reengages us with lost people – We get so entangled with life that we forget to love. When we see people as an interruption to our plans we miss Gods purpose. People are not an interruption to the ministry they are the ministry.
6. Prayer revives our purpose – We make it about the Savior instead of self.
7. Prayer restores our pursuit of God – Its easy to get sidetracked and make it about the pursue of pleasure or profit.
8. Prayer redirects God’s resources – In prayer we remember who owns the planet.
9. Prayer reawakens God’s people – Satan subtly lulls us to sleep, the monotonous movement makes us tired and cause us to close our eyes on Christ.
10. Prayer reaffirms God’s plan – It’s easy to make the plan to please self and other people.
