October 5, 2023 -- Colossians 4:2-6 -- Jesus' Prayer and Our Prayers

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. 3 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— 4 that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.
5 Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. 6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.
Colossians 4:2-6 ESV

As a pastor, I am ashamed to confess this, it is easy to get caught up counting nickels and noses. That is, figuring how much was given in offering and how many people were present at a particular worship service or meeting. When the attendance is good and the people are giving of their input, time, talents and tithes, then the meeting is judged good. Forgive me, God of all mercy and love.

Last night our Wednesday chapel was a much smaller-than-usual group. It'd be tempting to look at the numbers and think it won't be as good as a full house might be. Yet there was laughter around our supper table. Two of the men present spoke of the urgency of staying committed to Jesus Christ and daily choosing fellowship with His people. At the time of singing, one of the men was so excited that we now have Blue Psalters—that is a music book which has all the psalms set to music. He was excited that we are singing the Bible. Another man gave his testimony of the goodness of God. I realized this night was something different. The fellowship was sweet. The line between heaven and the people of God seemed fine and the Spirit was so present. It was a joy.

This morning I opened an email from a friend, someone who is family in Christ at Trinity, Woodstock, NB. He informed me that, as usual, the prayer group gathered and prayed for the Wednesday night chapel. No wonder the meeting had such a noticeable uplift. One man newer to the group was expressing his commitment to being in attendance and saw how vital this is. Two men shared how others they know have significantly stumbled in their faith walk—and it was not gossip, it was genuine warning to stay on course with Christ and a call to pray for these men. I truly believe that because others were praying, a difficult night, became a night of sweet fellowship with God, with one another and a time of beautiful teaching. Those who though, they are far away, steadfastly prayed did exactly what is promised and pictured in Colossians; they by the power of the Spirit opened a door for the word. Thanks be to God!

Keep praying dear family in Christ. Pray as the Spirit prompts you. The Spirit knows needs and circumstances that are beyond your knowing, but our Father has promised to work through the prayers of His people, on the basis of Jesus’ accomplished work. So pray, with full confidence, knowing what the Spirit prompts will result in Kingdom blessing. And rejoice, knowing that same Spirit raises up prayer warriors for you—and the Greatest Intercessor is King Jesus Himself is praying. He ever lives to pray for His people. When we pray—we are walking in the steps of our great High Priest.

Our Father in heaven hallowed be Your Name. Triune God thank You for the gift of prayer. First and always, thank You for the intercession of Jesus our King! What a treasure it is to know the Captain of our Salvation is constantly shielding us in His prayers. Thank You, Spirit of the Living God, for the prayers of the saints, those whom You have stirred up to pray, thereby following Jesus Christ, doing the work of our Father as ambassadors, in the strength You provide. Increase our zeal in prayer, showing us it is not our prayers that are effective, but You, dear Spirit. You are the power of God in Christ for all who believe. It is You Who directs us in prayer and You bring our stuttering and stumbling words to Jesus. You, Spirit of God take our babbling and translate it into words that are fit for King Jesus, making our requests known. What a precious truth it is, Holy Spirit, that You know us intimately, deeply because You live in us and You know Jesus perfectly because You live in Him without measure. Blessed be Your Name, Triune God, now and forevermore. Amen.

https://youtu.be/6zTYTnyvk7k?si=fYNyarZ5-9bDCRX2 “No More Night” Fountainview Academy

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