COMMUNITY GROUPS DISCUSSION GUIDE
Be Devoted to Prayer
Colossians 4: 2-6
IBQ: Have you ever been devoted to something? Name a thing, person, or cause you were
devoted to and elaborate on the sacrifices and benefits of that devotion.
Background: Paul is writing this letter to the church at Colossae from prison. In this selection of
scripture, he tells the Colossian church to devote themselves to prayer. In particular, he also tells
them to pray to God that a door be opened to him and those with him to share the Gospel. He
also tells them to act wisely toward those outside of the faith and to speak graciously to them.
Read verse 2
1. What does it mean to be devoted?
2. What does it mean to "stay alert" or "being watchful in" prayer with thanksgiving?
3. Describe your level of focus in prayer. Do you at times find yourself not being alert or
watchful in prayer? Why do you think that is?
Read verses 3 and 4
4. What is Paul's apparent goal that he is asking the Colossians to pray to God to provide for
him? Why is this so important?
5. What does the first half of verse 3 say about God's sovereignty?
6. Are there any parallels can be drawn from these two verses and praying for our church
leaders? Explain.
Read verses 5 and 6
7. What do you think the point that Paul is trying to drive home?
8. What is the cost of acting foolishly or living in sin as a Christian for outsiders to see?
9. Describe the usefulness of salt.
10. What do you think is meant by letting your speech be "seasoned with salt"?
11. How can we ensure that we live as we ought to in front of outsiders and speak to them as we
should?
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for Your gracious gift to us that we can even pray to You so that You would hear and
answer us as Your children. Let us not take this precious gift for granted, Father. Help us to live
according to Your Word, not just in front of others, but also when no one can see us except You.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.