Colossians for Families: Continue in Prayer

Welcome to week 7 of Colossians for Families! The focus of our study will be on Colossians 4:2-4 and how important it is for followers of Jesus to continue in prayer.

If you’re just getting started or want to review what we’ve been doing so far in this study, I’ll include a link to the previous Colossians Bible study below:

Click here for Colossians Week 6 – Put On

Let’s Study the Bible Together

Opening Prayer

Dear Lord, we’re thankful for the important work you’re accomplishing in our lives, and we are excited about what you will teach us today in our study of Colossians. Thank you that we can come to you in prayer for ourselves, our family, and even missionaries around the world that are telling people about you. Give us courage and strength to live for you. In Jesus name, Amen.

Read Colossians 4:2-4

“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.”

Note for Parents: Read the background information and share what might be helpful as you teach your kids. You know them better than anyone else, so make this work for your family.

Background Info for Parents

Paul spent the first three chapters of Colossians discussing why Jesus should be given first place above everything else, how our lives should be rooted in Christ, and what it looks like when someone’s identity is found in Christ. The follower of Jesus, having a new identity, has been raised with Christ. Now, he can put off the old self with its sinful practices and put on the new self that reflects the likeness of Jesus.

Paul’s Closing Thoughts

Paul begins to land the metaphorical airplane in chapter 4 and brings his readers toward the end of his letter. Before he closes things up, he has some important instructions for the Colossian Church:

First, he encourages them to continue steadfastly in prayer. Basically, keep on praying and don’t give up.

Second, followers of Jesus need to be watchful. Why? Because we live in a dangerous place full of distractions and temptations. Matthew 26:41: Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Third, followers of Jesus should be full of Thanksgiving. God has done so much good for us through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. His work keeps on going and impacting the world. We have a lot to be thankful for!

Continue in Prayer

Now Paul is going to direct the people to expand the scope of their prayers. Paul tells the Colossian Christians that he wants them to pray that God will open up a door for the Bible to be taught. He really understands his God-given task to declare the mystery of Christ, that is, God’s plan for the salvation of the world through Jesus Christ.

And once the door is opened, Paul knows that he will need prayer to teach the Bible clearly. This involves Paul’s ability to speak the word and the listener’s ability to hear the word. Both are needed for effective communication of the Word of God.

Discussion Questions

1. What is prayer? Does it have to happen at church? Where else can we pray?

2. What kinds of things should we pray for?

3. Paul encourages the people to pray steadfastly. We already talked about what it means to pray. Do you have any idea what it means to pray steadfastly?

4. How can we do a good job of paying attention as followers of Jesus? Give me some examples that come to your mind.

Paul teaches the people to “be watchful” as they pray. Paul and the Colossian people knew that sin is dangerous. It can deceive, tempt, and lead us astray. However, it’s not just about avoiding danger. It’s also important to look at how God works and leads. After we pray to God, it makes sense that we should be watching for him to answer us.

5. Paul instructs the people to be thankful as they pray. He is confident that God is going to accomplish good work in the lives of His people. God guides, protects, and leads them and us. Thankfulness is the right response.

What are some ways we show thankfulness to someone after they give us a gift at Christmas or our birthday? What should it look like to have thankful hearts to Jesus for all that he has done for us?

6. How can we pray for the pastors, Bible teachers, and missionaries we know who are sharing the Word of God with people? Do you think we can make a difference?

Coloring Page

Family Life Application

In today’s Bible Study, we discussed the importance of prayer for Christ-followers. We should pray for ourselves, our family, our church, our pastors, and the missionaries we know. We all need so much, and the good news is that God wants us to talk to him about it. Let’s spend some time as a family praying for each category.