Prayer: Its Place in Our Lives

Introduction

How important is prayer to you?

Paul’s prayer for the Colossians will be our focus today.

Hopefully you will better understand the role of prayer for your life.

I. What do we mean by ‘prayer’? 1.3a

Explanation:

Here the focus is on public intecessary prayer. But Paul alludes to his personal praying for the Colossians.

What kinds of praying are possible?

Public and/or Private Praying;

Liturgical and/or Spontaneous

Types of praying: Thanksgiving/Praise; Requests; Intercession.

Prayer is made to God either for ourselves or for others. It can be praise or requests.

Illustration:

Powerful public prayers published and used today.

Application:

Stress upon listeners the critical role that prayer should play in their daily lives.

II. When is prayer appropriate? 1.3b-5a

Explanation:

Here Paul puts in writing his personal praying for the Colossians. He began praying for them upon hearing of their conversion to Christ. The present tense Εὐχαριστοῦμεν stresses ongoing prayers being offered up to God.

Illustration:

Prayer lists from SS class.

Application:

At most every situation we can pray. Intercessary prayer should be a major element in our prayer life.

III. What can prompt our praying? 1.5b-8

Explanation:

News of their conversion prompted Paul’s praying. But also the presence of false teachers motivated his praying that led to the writing of the letter.

Illustration:

One must be involved in the spiritual community in order to hear good news about others.

Application:

When is the last time you have heard something that inspired you to prayer for others?

Conclusion:

What do you now understand about prayer in your life?

Are you willing to incorporate intecssary prayer into your pattern of praying?