Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 3

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2 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. 5 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 4:2-6 (NIV)

3 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, 10 so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, 12 and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. Colossians 1:9-12 (NIV)

4 Devote yourselves to prayer. a. Why don't we pray as we should?

5 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us... Ephesians 3:20 (NIV) Devote yourselves to prayer. a. Why don't we pray as we should? b. Is prayer effective? Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. James 5:16 (NIV) In Christ we too have been claimed as God s own possession, since we were predestined according to the one purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to the counsel of his will... Ephesians 1:11 (NET)

6 Prayer is not man s attempt to change the will of God. God s method of changing our will is to bring it into conformity with His will. More than changing things, prayer changes people. Prayer is not conquering God s reluctance to answer, but laying hold of His willingness to help! Prayer, in the life of the true believer, is an act of total confidence and assurance in the plan and purpose of God. Anonymous

7 Devote yourselves to prayer. c. Do we understand the benefits of prayer?

8 Devote yourselves to prayer. c. Do we understand the benefits of prayer? In prayer, God communicates His presence to us.

9 Devote yourselves to prayer. c. Do we understand the benefits of prayer? In prayer, God communicates His presence to us. In prayer, God increases our dependence upon Him.

10 Devote yourselves to prayer. c. Do we understand the benefits of prayer? In prayer, God communicates His presence to us. In prayer, God increases our dependence upon Him. In prayer, our priorities are transformed.

11 Devote yourselves to prayer.

12 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Colossians 4:2 (NIV)

13 The time of business does not differ with me from the time of prayer; and in the noise and clatter of my kitchen, while several persons are at the same time calling for different things, I possess God in as great tranquility as if I were on my knees. Brother Lawrence

14 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Colossians 4:2 (NIV)

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16 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Colossians 4:2 (NIV)

17 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 (NIV)

18 Tell your story. Share your faith.

19 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 (NIV)

20 I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness 26 the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord s people. 27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Colossians 1:25-27 (NIV)

21 This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 3:6 (NIV)

22 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 (NIV)

23 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Colossians 4:4 (NIV)

24 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 (NIV)

25 The Ride Home 1. Be devoted to prayer. 2. People need the Lord NOW! 3. When sharing Christ with others: a. Pray and ask others to pray. b. Be wise. c. Be deliberate. d. Be gracious. e. Be grounded in the Word.

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