Paul's opening verse to the Christians in Colosse are words of prayer. Often I hear of, and I also experience, the difficulties of developing and maintaining a consistent prayer life. There are many methods that are taught but to keep it simple we should remember that we are not about religion, but about a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Relationships are maintained by communication. We have all kinds of ways to communicate - phone, email, face book, etc. - but if we are not actually using the tools and communicating, relationships suffer. The same would be true of our relationship with Christ. In Colossians 1:1-12 Paul gives us a great lesson on prayer. We learn from these verses how to pray for ourselves and for others as well. Take a moment to read these verses and see what instructions are given on how and what to pray for.
We can pray for grace and peace (Colossians 1:2). Pray always with thanks (1:3). Do not cease to pray (1:19). Walk worthy of the Lord, bearing fruit and increasing in knowledge (1:10). Strengthened with all might, for all patience and longsuffering with joy (1:11). Giving thanks to the Father (1:12). What wonderful instructions for prayer! As we pray, these are wonderful portions of Scripture to follow.
"Most Christians receive great joy as they talk to the Father. But have you ever thought that prayer pleases God? The Lord wants to hear from His children. Though He already knows our thoughts and desire, God loves for us to voice our hearts to Him. One prescription for spiritual wellness is prayer. Believers cannot grow in their faith without communicating with God. Prayer is an essential ingredient for spiritual growth. Jesus Himself commanded us to pray, but He didn't ask us to pray without teaching us how." *
If you have begun to care for your spiritual wellness, communication with Jesus is essential. Beware of blocked arteries that squeeze out communication. Prayer is what will keep the arteries of your communication with Jesus open and healthy.
Kathy Withers
*Rhonda H. Kelley- A Women's Guide to Spiritual Wellness, pg 16
Kathy Withers serves in the Development Department at America's Keswick. She is married to Dave and has two adult children, Michael and Kerri.
** If you received "Sheer Grace" as yesterday's email, duplicating Tuesday's, please check the website for the intended Victory Call.
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