Welcome to Day 20 of 21 Days of Prayer + Fasting 2024. To learn more or purchase a book, visit FoursquarePrayer.org.
Today’s Scripture
“Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; 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, that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.”
—Colossians 4:2-6 (NKJV)
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.”
—Matthew 7:7-8 (NKJV)
Reflect on the Word
In Colossians 4, Paul provides ingredients for sustained prayer, followed by a heartfelt request to speak boldly—Being chained does not prevent open doors!— and a call to redemptive living and speech. Next consider the words of Jesus in Matthew 7:7-8. His clear, simple and certain promise of a response to our asking, seeking and knocking is faith-enlarging. Tap into the immeasurable results of specific prayer today.
Prayer + Contemplation
- As we near the close of 21 days of intentional prayer and fasting, how has your heart been changed through this daily time of prayer? How can you retain this habit going forward?
- Partner with God and ask for Him to strengthen your practices of prayer and devotion, to add any missing ingredients and to continuously overflow and energize you.
- God opens doors for those who persist in prayer. Bring what seems locked and closed to Him now, asking humbly for openings and answers.
Family moment: Prayer walk
Read Matthew 7:7-8. The Bible teaches us to pray often—without ceasing, even! Why do you think Jesus shared these words? God wants to open the doors and give us the things we pray and ask for. Take time as a family to go outdoors on a prayer walk (or a prayer drive, if the weather isn’t cooperating). While you are out, take turns praying for your neighborhood, school and church. Look around for people or places over whom you can pray. Consider bringing a prayer journal along to remember the prayer requests.
