by Andy Saperstein
Among Paul’s closing words in his letter to the Colossians are the ones below, and they continue today to speak clearly to us, as both a church and as a community of leaders.
2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.
4 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.
5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.
6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
(Colossians 4:2-6 TNIV)
We are in the midst of Lent, we are about to launch into a city-wide day of service on April 12, and we are pausing and taking stock of ourselves as a church, rather than launching into a giving campaign. In all these things, Paul’s words in verse 2 ring true: “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” In these days leading up to the Serve Columbus day, and then to Easter, let’s take time simply to intentionally turn to God, as individuals and groups, paying attention to what is going on in our own lives and in the church, and then praying persistently and earnestly. Now is indeed a time to pray for ourselves and for the world around us. And as we go out and serve, let’s pray as the great evangelist and apostle Paul asked even for himself – for open doors to proclaim Jesus boldly and clearly, for wisdom toward all those we encounter, and for grace in all we say, both now and going forward, that we may know how to respond to everyone, both inside and outside the church.
You might consider using this prayer as a starting point for your own:
Lord, thank you that you have loved me and called me to you, that you have saved me, and that you love me now. Thank you for your tender mercies, for your affection for me, for the treasure of your presence. Thank you for the simple provisions that hold my life together. Thank you for this church, for its leaders, and for the group under my care. Thank you for my family, for my neighbors, for my friends, and for my colleagues at work. Thank you for the many people you have gathered to this church and this city from the ends of the earth. Thank you for the neighborhood and for the city where I live.
Show me how to pray, Lord, even now – lead me to the things that matter for today. Show me how to pray, Lord. What are the particular people and situations that you want me to pray for today, and in what ways? Show me, Lord. Lead me.
Make me, make us, Lord, bold and attentive as we go out and serve together. Give us wisdom and opportunity to proclaim you in word and deed. Give us courage, Lord. Season my words – season our words with grace, Lord – show me, show and lead us in the ways of grace.
And as we seek you and serve outwardly, Lord, continue to form and shape us as your daughters and sons. Give wisdom to our leaders as they discern your way forward, and give us soft and tender hearts toward you in all things. I love you, Lord – we love you, and we are yours.
Amen and amen.