Gospel-Centered Prayer

 1 Kings 22; 2 Chronicles 18-19; Colossians 4 

“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 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. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.”

Colossians 4:2-4

Paul’s call to be devoted to prayer came from a prison cell, and possibly the cruel Mamartine prison in Rome. A natural request would have been to ask for prayer for his release, but that was not Paul’s focus. Paul’s counsel in prayer was that the Colossians would pray for open doors, not for his release, but for the Gospel. Pray for opportunities to share Christ with people in a clear manner so they fully understand the Gospel. Paul was Gospel-centered and mission-focused, even when he was facing extended imprisonment and death.

How much of our praying is focused on our needs and the needs of others?

Will we devote ourselves to prayer that is Spirit-led, mission-focused, and Gospel-centered?

“Lord Jesus, open doors today for your Gospel to be proclaimed in my community and context, for your glory.”