Paul's Unselfish Prayer

Last week I preached from Colossians 4, focusing on the prayer life of Epaphras that Paul describes in verses 12 and 13. What I didn't have room for in the sermon was the incredible unselfishness of Paul's request in verses three and four.

It always challenges me to remember that Paul is in prison when he writes this letter. And rather than asking for prayer that the doors of the prison be opened, instead he asks for prayer for continued opened doors for ministry!

The take-away for me is this: no matter how hard or difficult my life-situation gets, I should first ask and look for opportunities to advance the Kingdom of God through my circumstances. This passage doesn't teach us to ignore our desires (see Acts 12:5 and 12 where we might assume the believers were praying for Peter's safe release). But it does show us a priority in our prayers– first for God's Kingdom and Will, second for our desires.

The next time we face a difficult situation and our first instinct is to pray for relief, may we first pray and look for opportunities to share Christ through the circumstance. Amen.