What to Do?

Colossians 4:2-4 Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; 3 meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, 4 that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. 
 
OFTEN those who are passionate to see the Word of God spread and for the church to grow ask, “What are we supposed to do?” The question comes during meetings or after years of trying different approaches to ministry that seem to bear little, if any, growth in the Kingdom of God. That question comes from leaders in many churches as they view years of declining attendance. And the question increasingly comes from godly parents who wonder why their children avoid or ignore church. How do we answer the question?
    The only answer is in the prayer focus of Paul’s words here. To strengthen and grow the church, Paul urges the church to commit to the one strategy: Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving.
    To be earnest in prayer is to be constantly diligent to persevere in prayer and to follow closely a pattern to pray. It means the church sticks to praying as if its very life depends upon prayer because it does.
    Prayer is God’s invitation to you to speak to him with trust and faith. Praying tells God you know you need him to do his will in his church and on earth. Praying lifts your faith to the throne of God.
    Jesus was devoted to prayer. This is to be the way of his church, too.
 
Life Thought: Stop meeting and start praying.