Let's get into the word. Colossus chapter 4. We'll begin in verse 2. I was going to try and get to

verse 6, but really sensed that the Holy Spirit would have me only go to verse 4. So why don't you stand

if you're able? You can follow along as I read.

The Apostle Paul is writing and he says verse 2, devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

And pray for us too, that God may open a door for our message so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ for which I am in chains.

Pray verse 4 that I may proclaim it clearly as I should.

Would you pray with me and we'll ask God's blessing on our understanding?

Loving Heavenly Father, we're so grateful to you for your word and for this time that we have

together here in this beautiful building that you've given us.

Lord, forgive us if we take it for

granted the blessing the privilege that is ours to have this beautiful place to

worship in and freely open our Bibles in?

Lord, I pray as we do that you, by the Holy Spirit, would get our attention and hold our attention

so our minds don't wander.

Lord, don't let the enemy put in our thoughts, in our minds, anything that would distract us or keep us from that which you have for us here in your word today.

Lord, we want to give you our undivided attention in Jesus name.

Amen and amen. You can be seated. Thank you.

I want to talk with you today about an often asked question as it relates to prayer.

And specifically why it is that sometimes it seems that our prayers bounce off the ceiling

and go unanswered.

As I sought the Lord concerning today's text, he impressed upon my heart to approach this matter from and in this way because Paul not only talks about prayer, but he asks for prayer.

And it's not for what you and I might think, or even ourselves, what we would ask for.

...