Focus

Experience silence in the midst of your busy day. Take some time to relax into a time to be with God.

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Read

Colossians 4:2-5 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with thanksgiving. At the same time pray for us as well that God will open to us a door for the word, that we may declare the mystery of Christ, for which I am in prison, so that I may reveal it clearly, as I should.
Conduct yourselves wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time.

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Reflect

What does Paul mean when he tells the Colossians to devote themselves to prayer? The church has a commitment to pray as well as the individual Christian. We are to continue praying even when our prayers seem to go unanswered. I remember that I prayed for three years for discernment and to do the right thing in a certain situation. Finally, the situation resolved itself in a way I had not imagined. That was God’s answer to my prayer. We live in a society where we are used to things happening quickly. God’s timing is part of the answer to a prayer, not our timing.

Paul is in prison. His prayer request is not to be released. His prayer is that he God opens a door for their message so that the mystery of Christ be preached. Paul’s prayer was focused on the mission which God had given all Christians.

Paul reminded them to be careful about the way they treated outsiders. We are called to be respectful to others. It bothers me when I hear servers speak about how rude Christians can be, plus they are lousy tippers! We are to treat everyone with equal respect, from the custodians to the CEOs. After all, who will you most notice the absence of—the custodian or the CEO?

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Pray

God, we pray for all of those who are witnessing for Christ around the globe. We pray for their safety and security. Help us to witness to Christ right where we are through our speech and our actions. Help us to treat everyone with respect and dignity. Amen.

Go with God!