No matter where you are in your prayer journey, it’s essential to reflect on whether it aligns with Paul’s guidance in Colossians 4:2-6, where he offers valuable insights on both prayer and interacting with others.

Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving; praying at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word, so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned; that I may make it clear in the way I ought to speak. Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.

Let’s break this down into two practical areas: how to pray and how to talk.

How to Pray

Paul writes in Colossians 4:2, “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”

Devotion in Prayer

The Greek word Paul uses for “devote” is προσκαρτερεῖτε (proskartereite), which conveys persistence, intentionality, and endurance. It combines pros (toward, direction) with karteros (strong, steadfast), emphasizing prayer that is focused and enduring. This type of prayer isn’t casual but intentional, it doesn’t stop at an obstacle, but persists in faith.

Alertness in Prayer

Prayer should be watchful, not mindless repetitive ramblings. It should have something that we are watching intently. This echoes the teachings of Jesus, who instructed His disciples to stay awake and alert:

• “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come” (Matthew 24:42).
• “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41).

Peter reinforces this idea in 1 Peter 5:8: “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”
Being alert in prayer means being watchful, discerning the plans of the enemy, and standing in God’s authority to thwart them. After all, you have been given the authority of God to use. You can also pray in the Spirit.

Thanksgiving in Prayer

Paul emphasizes that prayer should be marked by thankfulness (Colossians 4:2). This aligns with Psalm 100:4, which teaches us to “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise.” Gratitude in prayer involves:

• Thanking God for His past faithfulness.
• Thanking Him in faith for what you are praying for, believing He will act.
• Cultivating an attitude of praise that glorifies Him.

Praying for the Word’s Advancement

Paul also asks for specific prayer: “Pray that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ” (Colossians 4:3). This reminds us that prayer is not only about personal needs but also about advancing God’s kingdom, asking for opportunities to share the gospel boldly.

How to Talk

Paul transitions from prayer to how believers should interact with others, especially non-believers. In Colossians 4:5-6, he writes:
“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”

Speak with Wisdom

Paul instructs believers to act wisely toward outsiders and seize every opportunity to reflect Christ. Wisdom in speech involves knowing when and how to speak, ensuring that conversations are edifying rather than harmful. Lots of Christians fall into the trap of being judgemental, accusative, name-calling, not realizing that we were once in darkness too.

• “The hearts of the wise make their mouths prudent, and their lips promote instruction” (Proverbs 16:23).
• “Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry” (James 1:19).

Graceful and Seasoned Speech

Paul calls for conversations to be “full of grace, seasoned with salt.” This means:

• Graceful Speech: Speak with kindness and compassion, avoiding judgmental or accusatory tones.
• Seasoned with Salt: Let your words be tasteful, adding value and truth to the conversation. Salt preserves and enhances flavor, symbolizing speech that uplifts and guides others toward Christ.

This kind of communication mirrors Jesus’ own interactions. He spoke with gentleness and wisdom, drawing people in with truth and love.

Answering Everyone

Paul concludes with a reminder to be prepared to answer everyone. In every interaction of ours, we should be prepared to speak into the life of the unbeliever. Like Peter said, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15). This highlights the importance of being ready to share the gospel thoughtfully and respectfully.