God Speaks
You slave owners must be just and fair to all your slaves. Always remember that you, too, have a Master in heaven who is closely watching you.
2 Don’t be weary in prayer; keep at it; watch for God’s answers, and remember to be thankful when they come. 3 Don’t forget to pray for us too, that God will give us many chances to preach the Good News of Christ for which I am here in jail. 4 Pray that I will be bold enough to tell it freely and fully and make it plain, as, of course, I should.
5 Make the most of your chances to tell others the Good News. Be wise in all your contacts with them. 6 Let your conversation be gracious as well as sensible, for then you will have the right answer for everyone.
7 Tychicus, our much-loved brother, will tell you how I am getting along. He is a hard worker and serves the Lord with me. 8 I have sent him on this special trip just to see how you are and to comfort and encourage you. 9 I am also sending Onesimus, a faithful and much-loved brother, one of your own people. He and Tychicus will give you all the latest news.
10 Aristarchus, who is with me here as a prisoner, sends you his love, and so does Mark, a relative of Barnabas. And as I said before, give Mark a hearty welcome if he comes your way. 11 Jesus Justus also sends his love. These are the only Jewish Christians working with me here, and what a comfort they have been!
12 Epaphras, from your city, a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you his love. He is always earnestly praying for you, asking God to make you strong and perfect and to help you know his will in everything you do. 13 I can assure you that he has worked hard for you with his prayers, and also for the Christians in Laodicea and Hierapolis.
14 Dear Doctor Luke sends his love, and so does Demas.
15 Please give my greeting to the Christian friends at Laodicea, and to Nymphas, and to those who meet in his home. 16 By the way, after you have read this letter, will you pass it on to the church at Laodicea? And read the letter I wrote to them. 17 And say to Archippus, “Be sure that you do all the Lord has told you to.”
18 Here is my own greeting in my own handwriting: Remember me here in jail. May God’s blessings surround you.
Sincerely, Paul
Source: The Living Bible: BibleGateway.com
We Respond
Reflection: The first verse of Colossians 4 seems to really belong in chapter 3, continuing Paul’s instructions regarding members of a household–masters and servants. In verses 2-6 Paul writes to the Colossians about prayer and evangelism. Verses 7-18 are filled with the names of various Christian workers along with the exchange of greetings, instructions, and commendations. Epaphras is especially praised for his work on the Colossians’ behalf, particularly in prayer.
Prayer: Dear Father God, You know each one of Your children by name as well as caring for each one’s needs. Please don’t let us grow weary or give up in prayer. Help us to watch for Your answers and to be thankful. May we, as well as those for whom we pray, be bold but courteous in presenting the Good News of Christ to those around us. I join with Paul and Epaphras in praying for those believers I know and those I don’t know that we all will present the God News boldly, freely, fully, plainly, and truthfully as we should. I ask that we earnestly pray for others, asking You, Lord God, to make us all strong and complete in Christ. Help us to know Your will in everything and do it. May we all reflect You well and give You glory through Jesus and the Holy Spirit. AMEN
Action: (Ask God, the Holy Spirit, which one of these He wants you to work on or something else more personal that He points out.)
- I will spend specific, significant time each day in prayer for other people.
- I will not give up praying for others near or far away (spiritually, physically, or emotionally). List at least five specific people.
- I will use prayer guides and other resources to pray for God’s kingdom work in the U.S.A., the U.K., Canada, Mexico, and other nations.
- I will make a list of mission agencies and/or churches that are seeking to take the Gospel of Christ around the world and pray for them. [See resources page of this blog.]
Share: I plan to share what I’ve learned with __________.