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When I was younger, I learned the ACTS model of prayer (adoration, confession, thanksgiving and supplication). I have often used this model in my prayers, but lately I have reflected on how infrequently my thanksgiving is for another person’s faith, hope, love, and fruitful ministry. Oftentimes I’m thanking the Lord for physical and material blessings, or for my family and church family in broad terms. But when we come to Colossians 1:1-14, we’re reminded through Paul’s thanksgiving and prayer for the believers in Colossae how important it is to thank God for the faith, hope, love, and fruitful ministry of a fellow laborer of the gospel. So, this week I encourage you to think of a fellow believer whose faith in God, hope in God, love for God, and fruitful ministry spurs you on in the faith, and give thanks to God for them. Then pray for them to steward their gifts well. Finally, tell them that you have thanked God for them and prayed for them this week.
Sarah Ivill
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