What do We Need to Pray For?

Colossians 4:1–6
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Slave owners are to be fair and honest with their slaves. Don’t forget that you have a Master in heaven (v. 1). Our prayer life is to be continual (I Thessalonians 5:17), not casual which means we should be constantly in fellowship with God so that prayer is as normal as breathing. We are to watch in the same with thanksgiving (I Thessalonians 5:18). God’s will for us is to be thankful (v. 2). Then our praying ought to be specific. Too often we pray in general and say “Lord, bless the missionaries!” How much better it would be to pray for their specific needs. As we study the Word and pray we know God’s will and then boldly ask Him to do that which He wants to do and give (I John 5:14-15).

Paul was more concerned with opportunity for ministry to be opened than he was to be released from prison and his own personal safety (v. 3). We are to be speaking the truth in love (Eph. 4:15) with no corrupt communication (Eph. 4:29) but minister grace. Please pray that I will make the message as clear as possible. When you are with unbelievers, always make good use of the time (v. 5). Be pleasant and hold their interest when you speak the message (v. 6).

Application

 I need to be specific in the prayer requests I make each day. These need to include:

1. The ministry of opening up new countries in Asia for Word of Life.
2. Our health, that we will be able to minister for several years to come.
3. Our two sons, Steve and Mike and their families as they direct Word of Life in Korea.
4. For our daughter Beth and her husband Chris as they minister in Word of Life-Taiwan.