...pray...behave wisely...speak graciously...

“2 Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with thanksgiving. 3 At the same time pray for us as well that God will open to us a door for the word, that we may declare the mystery of Christ, for which I am in prison, 4 so that I may reveal it clearly, as I should.

5 Conduct yourselves wisely towards outsiders, making the most of the time. 6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer everyone.

7 Tychicus will tell you all the news about me; he is a beloved brother, a faithful minister, and a fellow-servant in the Lord. 8 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, so that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts; 9 he is coming with Onesimus, the faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you about everything here” Colossians 4:2-9.

Oh my, if ever there is fabulous advice to give to anyone in life it is the advice Paul gives in today’s text: “Devote yourselves to prayer…Conduct yourselves wisely…and Let your speech always be gracious” (verses 2, 5, and 6). Essentially, this is what Paul says as he finishes writing his letter to the brand new Christian church in Colossae: Pray, behave wisely, and speak graciously.

What Paul wishes to say, more than anything else, is this: Devote yourself to praying everyday; make certain you always behave wisely; and only speak words of kindness. How powerful and beautiful can we get?

So, beginning today, when you get out of bed take time to pray, then remember to behave wisely, keeping a close eye on what words you speak.

Pray, behave wisely, and speak graciously.

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy on me a sinner.

Today’s Prayer

Oh Lord, I praise You and thank You for this day.

May I live today in Prayer to You,

always being aware off Your presence,

and always willing to lift my heart up to You.

I pray that my conduct and behavior this day

will be defined by wisdom.

May You be pleased with how I behave throughout this day.

And finally, I pray that every word I speak, to myself and aloud,

may always be gracious.

May I always speak what you wish me to speak.

And this is my prayer today.

And this I pray in your Holy name. Amen.