Sharing our faith is hard for us. It was apparently hard for Paul, which is why he asked people—in almost every letter he wrote—to pray for him in this arena. Most believers are disappointed in the level of their witness. We’re surrounded by lost people, yet we rarely open our mouths. Will we continue in this low state of spiritual effectiveness, or will we take steps to change?
One of Paul’s steps was to pray and ask others to pray. So, how should we be praying? Like Paul in Colossians 4:3-6, pray for…
- OPEN DOORS (Colossians 4:3) “praying at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word”
- BOLD SPEECH (Colossians 4:3) “that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned.”
- CLEAR SPEECH (Colossians 4:4) “that I may make it clear in the way I ought to speak.”
- WISE CONDUCT (Colossians 4:5) “Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, make the most of the opportunity.”
- GRACIOUS SPEECH (Colossians 4:6) “Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.”
If Paul needed this kind of praying, we need it more! Why not take the next month and pray through these five requests every single day? Memorize Colossians 4:3-6. If you’re praying these five prayers daily, you will be more naturally attuned to the opportunities around you. See if God will not hear and answer your prayers and lead you to a greater, more effective witness for Him!
Lord, I pray for myself and for all of us. Would you open up doors for us to share your Word? Give us the boldness today to speak forth the mystery of Christ. And I pray that when you do you will make it clear exactly what we should say and how we should say it. Help us to live before unbelievers with wisdom that doesn’t ruin the opportunity for the gospel. And help us today to seize every opportunity you give. And let our speech always be filled with grace—just like salt on a good meal—that graciously responds to every person about everything and brings your grace into the conversation. Use us, Lord, in ways we have never been used for you! And we pray that unbelievers will be brought to You, and you will be seen for the wonderful Savior that you are!
One Response
I love the prayers. They teach believers how to include a more powerful way of presenting prayers. Thank you so very much. May the good Lord bless you for this.
Happy Sabbath Eve with deepest Love.