September 6 2023
In our prayers for you we always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, for we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, because of the hope laid up for you in heaven.
From Colossians 1:1-8, NRSV
The city of Colossae had been evangelised by a man called Epaphras. Paul had not met this small community living in one of the less important cities of the time. Yet, he took the trouble to write to them – he did not need to know them personally to feel love and concern for them. Paul was thankful for the life and faith of this community and tells them that he always remembers to pray for them. Paul, who was in a Roman prison, must have been encouraged at the ways in which the gospel was being shared and lived in so many places. His letter would have given encouragement to the Colossians and validated the teaching given to them by Epaphras.
- What do you think pleased Paul about the church in Colossae?
- Where do you see signs of hope for God’s church today?
Give thanks for all that gives you reason to hope.
