Pray diligently. Stay alert, with your eyes wide open in gratitude. Don’t forget to pray for us, that God will open doors for telling the mystery of Christ, even while I’m locked up in this jail. Pray that every time I open my mouth I’ll be able to make Christ plain as day to them. Use your heads as you live and work among outsiders. Don’t miss a trick. Make the most of every opportunity. Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out. My good friend Tychicus will tell you all about me. He’s a trusted minister and companion in the service of the Master. I’ve sent him to you so that you would know how things are with us, and so he could encourage you in your faith. And I’ve sent Onesimus with him. Onesimus is one of you, and has become such a trusted and dear brother! Together they’ll bring you up-to-date on everything that has been going on here. Aristarchus, who is in jail here with me, sends greetings; also Mark, cousin of Barnabas (you received a letter regarding him; if he shows up, welcome him); and also Jesus, the one they call Justus. These are the only ones left from the old crowd who have stuck with me in working for God’s kingdom. Don’t think they haven’t been a big help! Epaphras, who is one of you, says hello. What a trooper he has been! He’s been tireless in his prayers for you, praying that you’ll stand firm, mature and confident in everything God wants you to do. I’ve watched him closely, and can report on how hard he has worked for you and for those in Laodicea and Hierapolis. Luke, good friend and physician, and Demas both send greetings. Say hello to our friends in Laodicea; also to Nympha and the church that meets in her house. After this letter has been read to you, make sure it gets read also in Laodicea. And get the letter that went to Laodicea and have it read to you. And, oh, yes, tell Archippus, “Do your best in the job you received from the Master. Do your very best.” I’m signing off in my own handwriting—Paul. Remember to pray for me in this jail. Grace be with you.
Colossians 4:2–18 (MSG)
– Reflection:
The power and purpose of prayer is not just as a personal practice, but as a way to support others in their mission to share Christ. Paul urges us to stay spiritually awake and grateful, to pray for open doors and clear words when speaking about Jesus. He encourages wisdom in how we live among those outside the faith, making the most of every moment and speaking with grace that uplifts rather than tears down. The passage also highlights the strength of the Christian community, friends, and fellow workers who encourage, pray, and labor together for God’s kingdom. It’s a call to be faithful in our roles, to support one another, and to stay connected through prayer, encouragement, and shared purpose.
– Where do we go from here?
We begin by deepening our commitment to prayer, making it a daily discipline marked by diligence, alertness, and gratitude. Let’s pray not only for our own needs but also for others who are sharing the message of Christ, asking God to open doors and give clarity in their words. As we engage with the world around us, we must be intentional in using wisdom in our actions and grace in our speech, always aiming to reflect Christ’s love. Let’s surround ourselves with faithful companions who encourage us, pray for us, and walk with us in purpose. And finally, let’s take seriously the assignments God has given us, doing our very best with a heart full of faith and a life rooted in prayer.
– Our Prayer for Today
Father, thank You for the gift of prayer, a way to speak with You, to listen, and to grow. Help us to pray with purpose, not just in moments of need, but in every part of our days. Teach me to be alert, grateful, and open to Your leading. As we pray, open doors for us to share Your love and truth with others. Give us wisdom in our actions and grace in our words. Surround us with people who encourage our faith, and help us to be that encouragement to someone else. Strengthen us to do the work You’ve given us, and remind us that through prayer, we are never alone. Amen.
