Paul urged the Colossian believers to devote themselves to pray. Being able to pray directly to our God is a great privilege we receive when being united with Christ. So, we have the privilege and responsibility as God’s chosen people to pray, to be watchful and to be thankful. Being watchful means being spiritually alert. We should be watchful to avoid temptations to sin, and watchful for opportunities to spread the gospel to others. To be thankful means to have gratitude to God for all he has done for us and for all he gives us. We should remember that God is not a vending machine for blessings.

Paul introduced Tychicus and Onesimus as trusted messengers who would inform the church about his situation and encourage them. He also sent greetings from several of his companions—Aristarchus, Mark, Justus, Epaphras, Luke, and Demas—highlighting their support and roles in the ministry. He commended Epaphras for his fervent prayers and hard work for the churches in Colossae, Laodicea, and Hierapolis. He ended with a personal handwritten note, asking them to remember his imprisonment. He ended with a blessing of grace.
Application: Father, help us to devote ourselves to prayer, be watchful for Jesus’ coming, and be thankful for all you have done for us.
One Word: Let us devote ourselves to prayer