Verse of the Day 1/18
Colossians 4:2-3 Devote yourselves to prayer; stay alert in it with thanksgiving. 3 At the same time, pray also for us that God may open a door to us for the message, to speak the mystery of the Messiah, for which I am in prison, Holman Christian Standard Bible
For today's verses we go to Colossians chapter 4 where our men's Bible study finished our study in this book today. Paul's final words are being given to the men and women who would be called to distribute this letter to several of the churches which he had been instrumental in founding. The words in today's verses should be a reminder for us as to the importance of prayer in our lives. Many translations start out with "devote" or be "devoted" in prayer and others, including the ESV below use the word "steadfastly". The meaning is the same, it is that of being committed to it day by day no matter what circumstances we find ourselves in.
Next, notice that he calls them and us to be alert in it. Be aware of your circumstances and those of others that you are praying for. Have your mind, your heart engaged. It is not simply reading from a list, think about what you are praying for. As you go about your day have your "eyes wide open" for opportunities to pray for people and situations. Then pray with thanksgiving, thanking God for the opportunity to pray to Him and being thankful for answers to prayer and for His grace - past, present, and future.
Next, notice that Paul asks others to pray for him. That's normal, but how he asks them to pray for him is eye opening. He is in prison, under house arrest yet he doesn't pray for deliverance, release or escape from prison but that a "door may be opened" to share the gospel. This reminded me of how Paul and Silas had previously, miraculously, been freed from jail. The doors flung open and they walked out. Now, this though is not in his mind. Perhaps he recalls how he was able to witness to the jailer back in the book of acts.
We may be suffering right now from illness, loss or loneliness and it is natural to pray for relief, for deliverance. How would things change if we prayed for an open door, for an opportunity to share what Christ has done for us in our circumstances? The thought of praying with "eyes wide open" reminded me of the Casting Crowns song that I quoted recently, we'll go there again today. May we pray with eyes wide open and share His message when given the opportunity today.
Lord, let your word fall on us
and bring forth the fruit you deserve
With eyes wide open, all would see
CHORUS:
The Word is alive
and it cuts like a sword through the darkness
With the message of life to the hopeless and afraid
Breathing life into all who believe
The word is alive
and the world and its glories will fade
but Him truth, it will not pass away
It remains yesterday and forever the same
The word is alive
-- In Christ, Mike Folllow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace. NIV
Colossians 4:2-6 English Standard Version (ESV)
Further Instructions
2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. 3 At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— 4 that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.
5 Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. 6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.
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