Pray Also for Us

Daily Reading: Colossians 4

Scripture Focus:  Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. 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—that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. (Colossians 4.2-4)

Devotional Thought: The Apostle Paul was a man of prayer.  He prayed for others, he encouraged others to pray, and he asked others to pray for him.

Paul encourages us generally to…

• Devote ourselves to prayer.  Are you devoted to prayer?  The word means to be steadfast and unremitting, to persevere and give diligent care, and to be courageous and constantly ready in prayer.

• Be watchful.  We need to be aware of our world and the needs around us.  Then, we can truly watch over those we love and pray for.

• Be thankful.  Gratitude is an indispensable component of prayer.  Thankfulness leads to praise for God and humility before him.  It is important in any relationship, but how much more important in our relationship with “Jehovah Jireh” – our Provider!  Every good and perfect gift comes down from above!

And Paul encourages us specifically to…

• Pray for God's messengers.  The effective work of the ministry depends upon the prayers of the people.

• Pray that God would open a door for their message.  Are you praying for God to open doors for your pastor and leaders to reach new people?  Too often our prayers are self-focused.  Praying that your pastor would reach lost people for Christ will help break the tyranny of self-interest in your spiritual walk.

• Pray for clarity as the message is preached.  Unless the Holy Spirit gives understanding – both for the hearer and the speaker – then the message of the gospel will be veiled.  Pray that God gives your pastor clarity as he proclaims the message of Christ.

If you run out of things to pray for, pray for me!

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for the messengers of the gospel.  I pray for my pastor and leaders in my church and denomination - that they would preach the word with all boldness and with clarity.  In Jesus' name, amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 24.1-6

1 The earth is the LORD's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein,

2 for he has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers.

3 Who shall ascend the hill of the LORD? And who shall stand in his holy place?

4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false and does not swear deceitfully.

5 He will receive blessing from the LORD and righteousness from the God of his salvation.

6 Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek the face of the God of Jacob. Selah