Colossians 4 Guided Prayer 5.17.09 by Kelly Kang (Gracepoint Fellowship Church – Berkeley):

2Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 3And 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. 4Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. 5Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

18I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.

Pray that you will be able to proclaim the gospel message clearly, in speech and in life.  Ask God for greater wisdom to be wise in the way you act towards outsiders and make most of every opportunity to share the gospel.

Pray that God will “open a door for our message” for you, for other brothers and sisters in our church as well those serving throughout the world, especially in the unreached parts of the world.

Pray for the following countries that are known for human rights violations because of persecution or severe discrimination against Christians.  Pray for the brothers and sisters in these countries who are in “chains” for the sake of Christ:

7Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. 8I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts… These are the only Jews among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me. 12Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured. 13I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis. 14Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings… 17Tell Archippus: “See to it that you complete the work you have received in the Lord.”

Pray that you will “stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully reassured.”  Pray that you will be faithful to “complete the work that you have received in the LORD.”  Confess the things that prevent you from being faithful in the work that you have received in the LORD.  Ask God to help you to stay focused on the mission that He has given you and not give into discouragements, distractions, idols and comforts.

Pray for those who are going through hardships that they will “stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured.”  Ask God to show you how you can be an encouragement and comfort to them.

Pray for those who are being drawn to the world that they will not end up like Demas who was once among the list of people that Apostle Paul counted on but ultimately left for the world (Timothy 4:10).  Commit to wrestling for them in prayer.

Pray for those who are dear brothers and sisters in the LORD,  faithful ministers, fellow servants, fellow workers for the kingdom of God, those who are “wrestling in prayer” and “working hard for you.”  Pray that they will be able to “complete the work [they] have received in the LORD.”  Pray that they will not allow fears, discouragements, cynicisms, and other hardships to dissuade them from being faithful to the LORD till the end.