Paul writes in Colossians 4:2 that we need to be devoted to prayer. Why is prayer so critical? This passage offers us two reasons: First because if God calls us to pray, we should obey him. Second, as Paul makes clear in the verses that follow, our mission and the salvation of lost people depends on it. Prayer is a constant reminder of our dependence on God and a constant confession of His ability.
Sermon Notes:
God’s desire is for us to be a church where prayer is at the foundation of and infuses all we do and all we are.
“Devote yourselves to prayer being watchful and thankful. 3 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. 4 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.” Colossians 4:2-4 (CSB)
Prayer should be a priority because it’s a command.
“To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible then to be alive without breathing.” Martin Luther
Prayer should be a priority because it’s a blessing.
“Prayer is an offering up of our desires unto God, in the name of Christ, by the help of his Spirit, with confession of our sins, and thankful acknowledgment of his mercies.” – Westminster Catechism of Faith
Prayer should be a priority because it’s a necessity.
“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” Colossians 4:5-6 (ESV)
Prayer should be a priority because it’s mission critical.
“Search for a person who claims to have found Christ apart from someone else’s prayer, and your search may go on forever.” – E. Bauman
