Pray Play Say

 

Colossians 4 v2-6 Pray-Play-Say

 

PRAY for your lost sporting friends – (v 2 Devote yourselves to prayer)

 

PLAY in a way that honours God – (v 5 Be wise in the way you act towards outsiders)

 

SAY something of the good news of Jesus – (v 6 So that you may know how to answer everyone)

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In Verse 2 Paul says with devotion being watchful and thankful.
 
Are you devoted to prayer? – I dislike that word ‘devotion’ it makes me feel guilty! But it shouldn’t, it should encourage me to pray more. Paul was devoted in praying for people and so must we be!

What should devotion look like for us?

What about praying for 3 friends in your sports teams who are not Christians – every day! Put a small time aside each day and bring these guys/girls before God – be devoted to that.

We have a small prayer card that helps us focus our prayers its only 10p (check it out).

 

Are you watchful in prayer? What did the guys in Colossians have to be watchful for? Well we know that they are being invaded by people who are trying to get them to focus their attention on other things. Have a look at ch 2v8 and ch 2v16-18. The people are being told to focus their attention on things other than Jesus – New Moon celebrations, Sabbath day regulations and the worship of Angels. Paul tells them not to listen to them, don’t let these people disqualify you from the prize that is only found in Jesus.

So how should we pray being watchful? What are the things that people get us to focus on apart from Jesus? I know for me there are a range of things – people in church, peer pressure from mates, temptations on the TV. What is it for you? Pray this week for a clear mind and conscience that solely focuses on Jesus Christ and what he has done. In this way you will be quality at representing him.

 

Are you thankful in prayer? What does Paul mean when he asks the Christians in Colossians to be thankful in their prayers? We have to go back to Colossians 1 v15-23 to understand that!

Paul is simply saying – ‘look at who Jesus is and what he has done and what he has done for you’ now pray with thankfulness. As we try and devote ourselves to pray for our mates who aren’t Christians – be watchful of those who try and teach you other things and be thankful for what Jesus has done for you!!

 

More on understanding prayer