The lesson on Colossians 4:2-6 emphasizes that Christians are called to devote themselves steadfastly to prayer, being watchful and thankful in all circumstances, as prayer was a central focus of the early church. Paul urges believers to pray for open doors to share the gospel clearly, even while imprisoned, and to walk wisely toward outsiders by making the best use of time and speaking graciously. Steve Bookout illustrates these principles with personal experiences and stresses the need for humble, clear, and respectful communication of the gospel.

In this Bible lesson on Colossians 4:2-6, Steve Bookout explores Paul's exhortation to the Colossian church to remain devoted to prayer with watchfulness and thanksgiving, highlighting how prayer was a defining characteristic of the early Christians in Acts. Paul requests prayers not for his release from prison, but for opportunities to proclaim the mystery of Christ clearly, demonstrating his ongoing humility and mission-focused mindset despite decades of preaching. The lesson concludes with instructions to walk in godly wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of every opportunity and letting speech be gracious and seasoned with salt, enabling believers to answer others effectively with gentleness and respect; the speaker connects these truths to personal stories of God's peace through prayer and challenges the audience to deepen their prayer life and improve gracious evangelism.

I. Devote Yourselves to Prayer (Colossians 4:2)
A. Steadfast, continual prayer as a central focus of early Christians (references to Acts 1, Acts 2:42-46)
B. Be watchful in prayer – staying alert to spiritual dangers and surroundings
C. Pray with thanksgiving in all circumstances (links to Philippians 4:6, 1 Thessalonians 5:18)
D. Personal illustration: Experiencing God’s surpassing peace through prayer during major life moves

II. Pray for Gospel Opportunities (Colossians 4:3-4)
A. Paul’s request: Pray for open doors for the word and clarity in proclaiming the mystery of Christ
B. Focus on mission over personal comfort, even while in prison
C. Paul’s humility – needing prayer for effective speech after 25-30 years of preaching
D. Prayer as a major emphasis throughout Paul’s ministry and letters

III. Conduct Toward Outsiders (Colossians 4:5-6)
A. Walk in wisdom (God’s will) toward those outside the church (cross-reference Ephesians 5:15-17)
B. Make the best use of the time – recognizing time is fleeting
C. Let speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt
D. Know how to answer each person effectively (links to 1 Peter 3:15 – gentleness and respect)
E. Challenge: The church often struggles with being ready and gracious in giving answers

Conclusion
A. Encouragement to deepen prayer life (reference to Epaphras “struggling” in prayer)
B. Call for clear, humble, and compassionate sharing of the gospel
C. Promise of God working things for good through faithful prayer and obedience