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Prayer Rev. Tim Chang Download

Sermon Outline

Speaker: Rev. Tim Chang
Sermon Series: Maturing in Christ

Colossians 4:2-6 (ESV)
2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. 3 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— 4 that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.

5 Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. 6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

Sermon Outline
1. Be steadfast in prayer

[2] Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.

2. Be watchful in prayer

[2] Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.
[2] Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.

3. Be outward in prayer

[3] At the same time, pray also for us
[3] 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—[4] that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.
John 17:20–21
[20] “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, [21] that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.”

Prayer of Confession
Our Heavenly Father, you are marvelous and yet you desire intimacy with us. You have given us prayer to know you. But our sin has twisted this gift where we seek things from you more than we seek you. You invite us to cultivate a preference for you, but we confess that we often have a preference for ourselves. Instead of your will to be done, we want our wills to be done. Forgive us. Thank you for Jesus, who prayed for us and gave up his life to restore us to you. Help us to enjoy your grace, to see your grace more clearly, and to share that grace with others. Amen.

Questions for Reflection

What connected with you from the sermon or the passage?
Paul invites us to “continue steadfastly in prayer.” In other letters, he’s said, “pray without ceasing” and “be constant in prayer.” Where does prayer currently fit into your everyday life? What do you find enjoyable about prayer? What feels difficult?
If you were to take inventory of your prayers, how much is asking God for things versus simply being with him? What might it look like to enjoy God more in prayer?
What helps you notice God more? What makes it difficult?
What might it look like to see your life through “grace-colored glasses”, where you notice more of God’s acts of grace around you? How would that change your outlook this week?
In John 17, Jesus prays not only for his disciples, but for all who will follow him throughout time. How does it affect you to know that Jesus has already prayed for you?
Who are 1-2 people in your life that God might be “opening a door” for you to share your faith with? What might be one small step you can take this week?
What do you sense God calling you to do from this passage?