Prayer that Wins
Have you ever prayed for something big, something important, but when God gave you exactly what you asked for, you froze up? Maybe you prayed for a chance to share your faith, but when the moment arrived, you just… didn’t say anything. We’ve all been there. That’s why, in this final part of our series on prayer, we’re talking about turning your prayers into action.
In Colossians 4:4-6, the Apostle Paul writes:
“That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.”
These verses give us a clear and practical roadmap for how our prayers can actually transform the way we live, talk, and share Christ with others.
Step Up and Speak Up
Paul asked for prayer so he could clearly and boldly proclaim the gospel. He’s not just asking for open doors—he’s asking for the courage and clarity to walk through them.
Maybe you’ve felt nervous, unsure, or downright scared when it comes to talking about your faith. You wonder, “What if they ask a question I can’t answer?” or “What if they think I’m weird?” But Paul’s request teaches us something powerful: we can rely on God not only to provide opportunities but to help us speak confidently when the time comes.
Just like Paul, you can pray, “Lord, help me speak boldly and clearly when those moments come.” God loves to answer that prayer!
Be Intentional: Redeem Every Opportunity
Paul gives practical advice in verse 5: “Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.” (Colossians 4:5)
What does that mean practically? It means using every opportunity to share Christ. It’s easy to let chances slip by—like when a friend casually mentions they’re feeling discouraged, or someone mentions trouble at home. Those moments aren’t just random conversations; they’re open doors.
To “redeem” means to buy up every chance, not letting anything pass by. Imagine finding an unbelievable sale at your favorite store—would you leave anything on the shelf? Probably not! You’d grab everything. Paul says to approach sharing the gospel the same way. Grab every chance. Every conversation matters.
Think about your daily life. The lunchroom at school, hanging out after practice, sitting around with friends—these are moments God wants you to redeem. Your prayers for opportunities should fuel a life that actually takes those chances. Don’t just pray for moments—use them.
Grace and Salt: Speaking the Truth Winsomely
Ever talked to someone who made Christianity seem dull and lifeless? Not very inspiring, right? Paul understood this, so he reminds us in verse 6: “Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt.” (Colossians 4:6)
In other words, your conversations about Christ don’t have to be boring or awkward. Your words can be interesting, engaging, and even enjoyable. “Seasoned with salt” means your conversations should draw people in, not push them away.
How do you do this practically?
- Be real—Talk naturally, not like a robot quoting a script.
- Show genuine interest in the other person’s life, listen carefully, and respond thoughtfully.
- Share your own story: Personal stories about how God has helped you or changed you can open hearts more effectively than a rehearsed script.
Trust God to Help You Answer
At the end of verse 6, Paul says that when we speak this way, we’ll know how to answer everyone. You might not always know what to say beforehand, but if you’re praying and depending on God, He promises to give you wisdom right when you need it.
Have you ever started talking about God and found that the right words just seemed to come? That’s God answering your prayers right there, right in the middle of the conversation. He gives wisdom in the moment, but you have to take that first step of faith to speak up.
Your Life Should Match Your Prayer
Here’s the key takeaway: if you pray for opportunities, expect God to answer by giving them to you. And when He does, don’t freeze. Step into those moments. Make your prayers actionable. A prayer life that wins is not just something you talk about—it’s something you live.
So here’s your challenge: Don’t just ask God to move—be willing to move when He does. Pray boldly. Live boldly. Talk boldly. And you’ll start seeing that your prayer life isn’t just wishful thinking; it’s an active partnership with God, changing lives forever.
This Article is a part of a series
Prayer that Wins
Bobby Bosler is director of Thee Generation and pastor of Fellowship Baptist Church in Fairmont, WV. He, his wife, Abi, and their four children traveled the country for 14 years in evangelism, reaching teens with the gospel and conducting revival meetings.
Our words. AI polished. This article was adapted from the author's original content using AI. We’ve used technology to clarify and adapt the message—while keeping the heart and voice the same. All articles are proofread and edited by a human.
