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Day 10: Devotion to Prayer and Mission
Focus: Paul’s Final Instructions
Key Passage: Colossians 4:2-6
As we conclude our journey through Colossians, Paul leaves us with a powerful call to prayer and to live out our faith with a mission-minded focus. His final instructions to the Colossian church highlight the importance of maintaining an active prayer life and being intentional about how we interact with others, especially those who do not yet know Christ. Today, we will reflect on these instructions and consider how we can live missionally in our everyday lives.
Devote Yourselves to Prayer
Paul begins by urging the Colossians to “devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful” (Colossians 4:2). Prayer is the foundation of a Christ-centered life. It is through prayer that we stay connected to God, align our hearts with His will, and receive the strength and wisdom we need for each day.
Paul encourages us not only to pray but to do so with watchfulness and gratitude. Watchfulness means being spiritually alert—aware of what God is doing in and around us, sensitive to His leading, and vigilant against spiritual complacency. Gratitude reminds us to approach God with thankfulness for His faithfulness, provision, and grace, even as we bring our requests before Him.
Praying for Open Doors
Paul continues by asking the Colossians to pray for him and his mission:
“And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains” (Colossians 4:3).
Despite being in prison, Paul’s focus remains on spreading the gospel. He asks for prayers not for his release, but for opportunities to continue proclaiming Christ. This is a reminder to us that no matter where we are or what circumstances we find ourselves in, we are called to share the good news of Jesus. We, too, can pray for “open doors”—opportunities to speak into the lives of others about the hope we have in Christ.
Living Wisely Among Outsiders
Paul’s next instruction challenges us to be intentional about how we live before those who do not yet know Christ:
“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity” (Colossians 4:5).
As followers of Christ, our actions speak volumes. Paul reminds us to live wisely among non-believers, making the most of every opportunity to reflect Christ through our words and deeds. This involves being mindful of our behavior, showing kindness and grace, and living in a way that points others to Jesus.
Every interaction we have—whether at work, in our neighborhoods, or with strangers—can be an opportunity to reflect Christ. By living wisely and making the most of these moments, we can plant seeds of faith in the hearts of those who observe our lives.
Season Your Conversations with Grace
Paul finishes this section by emphasizing the importance of how we speak to others:
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone” (Colossians 4:6).
Our words have the power to build up or tear down, to draw people closer to Christ or push them further away. Paul calls us to speak with grace, reflecting the kindness, patience, and love of Christ in our conversations. He also describes our words as being “seasoned with salt,” meaning they should be flavorful, thoughtful, and impactful.
When we engage in conversations with others, especially those who are curious about our faith, it’s important to listen carefully, respond graciously, and speak in a way that invites further dialogue. Our goal is not to win arguments but to show others the love and truth of Christ in a way that opens their hearts to Him.
Reflection
Take a moment to reflect on your prayer life and your interactions with those who do not yet know Christ. Are you devoted to prayer, being watchful and thankful? Are you looking for opportunities to share Christ with others in your daily life? How can you ensure that your words and actions reflect the grace and love of Christ?
Application
Today, reflect on how you can be more intentional about prayer and mission. Consider these questions:
- How can I deepen my prayer life, making it more devoted, watchful, and thankful?
- In what areas of my life can I make the most of opportunities to share the gospel, both through my actions and conversations?
Call to Action
Commit to praying for opportunities to share your faith with others. Be intentional about how you live and speak, asking God to guide your conversations with grace and wisdom. Look for open doors to share Christ’s love with those around you.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for the reminder to be devoted to prayer and to live with a mission-minded focus. Help me to stay watchful in prayer and to be thankful for all You have done. Open doors for me to share the message of Christ with others, and give me the wisdom and grace to speak in a way that points them to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.