Youth Week 3

Colossians 4:2-3

Several years ago I was out at local businesses trying to gather contributions of door prizes for a special dinner. After talking with a manager at one restaurant, and preparing to leave, one of the employees came up to me and asked if I was a pastor. She had been part of the transaction and knew I was connected to a church.

She was in need. She had problems in her life and was worried about her family and relationships. I offered what guidance I could and then we prayed together.

I have never forgotten that encounter simply because it has always served as a reminder that God opened a door for that connection to take place. A person in need of some spiritual assurance encountered someone who could help, however small that help was.

That is part of my daily prayer – that I can somehow serve God in what I do and say.

Paul was aware of the incredible power of prayer, and so encouraged the believers in Colosse to commit time and energy to the matter. And why does Paul ask for prayers for himself and fellow evangelists?

If we can pray for ourselves and others to have the opportunity to spread the good news of Christ, God will open those doors for that encounter. Not only will God present the opportunities, He will also make it easier to have those encounters, and He will make those times effective.

Our youth were presented many opportunities to pray for a wide variety of needs while at Summer of Service. They prayed for families in need. They prayed for those who were working to help. They prayed that the hearts of those with influence will be swayed to do their part in helping people in need.

They also prayed for themselves, that they might be an instrument of God’s good work.

These young people are an example to us all. We should each take the time and energy to devote to prayer, praying for others and praying for ourselves, that God might open a door for His message to be shared.

DAILY CHALLENGE: Pray that God will use you to share His message.