Devote Yourself to Prayer

2 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- 4 so that I may reveal it as I am required to speak. 5 Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the time. 6 Your speech should always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer each person. ~ Colossians 4:2-6 Devote yourself to prayer, this is the most important thing we can do for ourselves, our families, our ministries and for each other. The thing that strikes me most about these five verses is the fact that Paul is in prison, no idea when or if he is going to be released, probably not being fed very well and not being treated well either, but his focus and thoughts are not on himself but on God and His people. Not ask for prayers for food, clothing, being treated better not even for freedom but for God to open doors that he may speak the Gospel to those that would hear. Paul is also concerned about the people at Colossae, that they may also speak the Gospel to those with them, to be wise with those not of faith to be gracious and the seasoning that preserves, to ask God to show them how to speak. How many times have we had the opportunity to be the person that Paul is asking the Colossians to be but were to afraid to speak up in fear we might offend someone or that people will look at us differently and treat us poorly? How often do we have the opportunity to pray for wisdom or that others might hear God's Word and be awakened by the Holy Spirit and are just to busy to take the time? Friends I am calling you all to spend time each and everyday in prayer, begging you to stay alert and be thankful! Pray for God's will and for wisdom, these things will be given to you. Be gracious in your speech and be the preservative that points the way to Christ! Amen. <><