Praying! (part 5 of 7)

Steadfastness, watchfulness, thankfulness and consideration of others are aspects of prayer that we should be mindful of on a daily basis. There are specific needs others have of a physical nature. There are also specifics of a spiritual nature that should be kept in mind as well.

Continuing to look at Paul's urging of those at Colossae, we read. . .
"(2) Continue steadfastly IN PRAYER, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. (3) At the same time, pray also for us, THAT GOD MAY OPEN TO US A DOOR FOR THE WORD, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison -- (4) that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak." ( Colossians 4:2-4 ESV)

Praying for OPEN DOORS. Though Paul was in prison (a seeming limitation we will, Lord willing, note tomorrow), it was not "prison doors", but rather DOORS OF OPPORTUNITY for which he appears to have been most desiring. Doors open and close. Paul had experienced the facing of both. (i.e. Acts 16:6-7 & 9-10) Sometimes OPPORTUNITIES present themselves only to be lost because they are either not seen or taken advantage of in a timely manner. One OPEN DOOR may also lead us to other OPEN DOORS. One good work may simply be the passageway to others. Therefore, OPPORTUNITIES should most definitely be subject matter for daily prayer.

In the prayers through the day, let them be for the preacher, the youth leader, other members of the congregation, as well as for self with regard to a greater awareness of OPEN DOORS and the effectiveness for using those OPPORTUNITIES for God's purposes. As each door presents itself, let us also pray for maintaining a willingness to enter in to serve as God intends!

Have a great day MAINTAINING OPEN EYES FOR EFFECTIVE SERVICE!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Prayer