Priorities

Scripture Reading: 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.

Paul asked the church to pray for an open door, not a door through which he could walk free from his imprisonment, but a door through which the word of God could go forth in saving power. Reading this I am convicted. It is not wrong to pray for our personal needs. It would be wrong not to. The Lord Jesus taught us to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread.” It is wrong to only pray that our needs be met.

When we leave off the first part of the Lord’s Prayer, “Hallowed by thy name,” and “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done,” we are losing sight of the greater meaning and purpose of our lives.

I’m certain that Paul wanted to be free. It wasn’t his primary concern though. The word of Christ going forth was.

May we have the same kind of priorities and may it be reflected in our prayers.