Consider joining us for 40 days for 40 minutes, between now and Resurrection Sunday (April 20, Easter).

“We must be on the watch as we pray—on the watch against a wandering mind, against vain repetitions, against trite and meaningless expressions, against limited, selfish desires. And we should also watch for what is good. We should especially be alert to God’s guidance of our prayers in Scripture.” 1

While you’re praying, pray for your leaders (notice how the Apostle Paul asks for prayer).

“There are many things for which Paul might have asked them to pray — release from prison, a successful outcome to his coming trial, a little rest and peace at last. But Paul asks them only to pray that there may be given to him strength and opportunity to do the work which God had sent him into the world to do. When we pray for ourselves, and when we pray for others, we should not ask for them or for ourselves release from any task, but rather strength to complete the task which has been given us to do. Prayer should always be for power, and seldom for release; for not release but conquest must be the keynote of the Christian life.” 2

Colossians: Fully Pleasing God

Week 8 of Colossians: Fully Pleasing God
Scripture: Colossians 4:2-18
Teacher: Kari Patterson
Date: 3/11/14

Listen or download:

things to think about …

  • Is there any area or issue that you were faithfully praying through, but have not continued? What do you think led to you no longer steadfastly continuing?
  • Is there anyone you know who, like Mark, like Onesimus, has had struggles, made poor choices, or made a mess of things somehow, but is trying to make things right? How can you welcome them, accept them, and help others accept them as well?
  • How would you characterize your conduct as you live around unbelievers? How is your speech? Is it wise, gracious, seasoned and appealing and not bland or repelling? How do people generally respond to you?

things to do …

  • Consider joining us for 40 days for 40 minutes. From now until Resurrection Sunday (April 20), consider devoting 40 minutes a day to prayer (or consider a “training plan,” working up to 40 minutes in incremental steps) for the next 40 days. Plan set times (as best as you can) that you will commit to prayer, and ask a friend for accountability, so we will stay awake and watchful in our prayer! Consider reading A Place at the Table by Chris Seay or Draw the Circle by Mark Batterson to fuel and encourage you along the way.
  • Who are those faithful people who stand beside you in this life of faith? Who comforts you, encourages you, inspires you, and helps you? Take some time to name them and notice them. Write a note of thanks or encouragement to acknowledge their presence in your life.

Verse to memorize:

“Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.” —Colossians 4:2

Kids’ verse:

“Continue to pray! Watch and always give thanks!” —Colossians 4:2

Scriptures: Colossians 4:2-18

Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God mayopen 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.

Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

Tychicus will tell you all about my activities. He is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord.I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts,and with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you of everything that has taken place here.

10 Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions—if he comes to you, welcome him), 11 and Jesus who is called Justus. These are the only men of the circumcision among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me. 12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may standmature and fully assured in all the will of God. 13 For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis. 14 Luke the beloved physician greets you, as does Demas. 15 Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house. 16 And when this letter has been read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea. 17 And say toArchippus, “See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord.”

18 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.


Audio for this teaching is included in the RENEW Church podcast: subscribe in iTunes here, listen to all Women’s Bible Study messages at Godrenews.us/women, or access the church podcast feed directly here.

  1. John Piper
  2. William Barclay, Colossians, 199.