All of our small moments with neighbors and coworkers can add up to a life that impacts those around us for good. When you take the time to stop, listen, look, and engage with others, you will have opportunities to love and to share God’s love.

Paul knows something that many of us forget—people change and grow through encouragement. He doesn’t hesitate to say a hard truth when needed, but his go-to is reminding people of all they have in Christ and encouraging them to live out their union with Christ in the everyday details of life. In keeping with that, he closes out Colossians with some more encouraging words. As he does, we get a glimpse of the fruit of being in Christian community. What does living out our identity in Christ look like in the church?

A Praying, Outreaching Church

Paul reminds them that one practical, specific way to love each other is to pray for each other. Colossians 4:2–4 (CSB) begins with the call to “devote yourselves to prayer.” Formerly they had devoted themselves to all that belonged to their earthly nature (3:5), but now because they are devoted to Christ, they are also devoted to praying to Christ about all of life and all their needs.

Paul models this lifestyle for them as he says “also pray for us.” Then he gives them specific prayer requests about his life and ministry. For some of us, it’s easier to pray for others than to be vulnerable and to seek prayer for ourselves. But Paul didn’t hesitate to ask for prayer.

The prayer lifestyle Paul is calling them to is an ongoing rhythm of life, not a temporary, one-and-done activity. Paul counsels the Colossians to “continue steadfastly in prayer.” Don’t stop, don’t quit, don’t give up! And, as you pray, be thankful. Praying for one another is a serious calling and a practical way to love others. We pray for the people we are called to love and watch and wait for the Lord to work. Along the way you will see that prayer connects us to others in a unique, God-centered way.

For many years, I’ve been part of a pastors’ group (“the soul brothers”). We share ideas, resources, and recommend books to each other. But we have also decided to share with each other our deepest burdens and struggles—including our sins. I am so grateful for this group of brothers and for their encouragement to me personally. We regularly text each other with requests and seek to imitate Paul’s attitude about asking for prayer. Let’s be quick to imitate Paul in saying “pray also for us” (4:3) and “pray also for me” (Ephesians 6:19 CSB).

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