How to Pray, How to Walk

Colossians 4:2–6 ESV

Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. 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— that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

How to Pray (4:2-4)

Three postures in prayer (4:2)

Pray steadfastly (devotedly): Daniel’s example - Daniel 6:10 “When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem. He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously.”

Pray watchfully: Ephesians 6:16–18 “In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,”

Pray thankfully (“eucharistically”)

Thankful for the substitutionary atonement work of Christ

It encourages others

Two petitions in prayer (4:3-4)

Prayers for opportunity (4:3) - Paul is praying for gospel opportunities, and we should do the same

Prayers for ability (4:4) - Paul is praying to communicate clearly - we should pray that we might communicate the gospel in an understanding way - 2 Thessalonians 3:1 “Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you,”

How to Walk (4:5-6)

Walk in wisdom towards outsiders (unbelievers) (4:5) - we are ambassadors for Christ

Walk making the best use of the time (4:5) - redeeming the time - “buy it up”

Walk with gracious speech (4:6) - Ephesians 4:29 “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”