Day 80 — Gracious Words and Open Doors

Day 80 · Making Christ Known · Colossians 4:2-6 (NET2)

Paul asks for prayer that a door will open for the message and that he will make it clear. He also calls believers to wise conduct and gracious speech with outsiders. Good witness involves both words and a way of life. We do not need to force every conversation. We can pray, pay attention, and answer each person with care.

Request

Lord, open doors for your word and make my speech gracious and clear. Amen.

Read

Colossians 4:2-6

² Be devoted to prayer, keeping alert in it with thanksgiving. ³ At the same time pray for us too, that God may open a door for the message so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. ⁴ Pray that I may make it known as I should. ⁵ Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunities. ⁶ Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer everyone.

Scripture: NET Bible, Second Edition (NET2).

Reflect

1. What does Paul ask others to pray for, and how should believers speak?
2. What would a gracious answer sound like in a conversation you anticipate?

Restate

Explain how prayer, wise conduct, and careful speech work together.

Respond

Let the passage guide your prayer. Use these prompts in your own words:

• Praise: Praise God who opens opportunities for his word.
• Thanksgiving: Thank him for people you can know and love.
• Confession: Confess careless or defensive religious speech.
• Intercession: Pray for someone sharing Christ in a difficult setting.
• Petition: Ask for an open door and words suited to the person.

Carry it into today: Pray before a conversation, and aim to understand the person rather than win an argument.