For the past 3 weeks, Zion has been devoted to a season of prayer and fasting. As we have arrived at Day 21, how best to end it by taking the closing words of Paul to heart. The Colossians were exhorted to “(d)evote themselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” Watchfulness helps us to pray personally, purposefully and powerfully. Whereas thankfulness places our prayers in the right perspective. Such prayers do not minimise the challenges but dare to courageously look at our problems right in the eye, while acknowledging that God is the way-maker and miracle-worker. Paul might be locked up in prison but God’s message cannot be chained.

The proclamation of the gospel is what we are to pray for. When we don’t see opportunities to share God’s word, ask for open doors. When we are troubled about the apathy and cold responses from our friends, we pray that our message will be clearly received. And that we, the church, will fearlessly proclaim God’s truth even we have to suffer for it.