Abide Together: Reflections on Colossians 4 and 1 Thessalonians 1-2

In Colossians 4 Paul closes his letter to the Church at Colossae with a few exhortations, greetings. commendations and request for prayer.  The thing that stands out to me on this morning is his exhortation to “Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving…”  The fact that he tells them to “Devote yourselves to prayer” points to the fact that prayer take a conscious initiative with the focus to persevere in it.  Lord, help me “devote” myself to prayer.

In 1 Thessalonians 1 Paul sends his greeting to the Church at Thessalonica and commends them for their faith and their purposeful witness to the Gospel flowing from their faith.  He tells them that “the word of the Lord has sounded forth from” them, in such a way that other have taken notice.  Lord, may Your word sound forth from my lips and my life in such away that You are glorified.

In 1 Thessalonians 2 Paul reminds them how he came to them after being mistreated in Philippi and how he still preached the Gospel.  He did this in integrity, gentleness and expecting nothing in return monetarily.  He tells them how he thanks God for them and their faithful walk with Christ. In spite of persecution against them they continued to preach the Gospel.  Lord, help me faithfully preach the Gospel with integrity and in spite of persecution.

– Bryan McKenzie