Big Motorcycle Trip

2025 Big Trip to northern Mississippi

The Sovereign Grace Baptist Fellowship, to which Community Baptist belongs, has a member congregation which hosts a three-day prayer meeting each summer. In 2023, I was considering going to this and my dear wife suggested I ride my motorcycle and make a fun trip of it. She is God’s gift to me in many ways! I did that, two years ago. Medical problems sidelined me for much of 2024 and I was unable to travel to the meeting. In the meantime, I sold my old Honda Sabre and bought a 2010 Honda NT700V, a mid-sized sport-touring bike.

2025 has been much better. It started with my discovery of a 20-years old program called the Grand Tour of Texas, an individual rally with riders choosing which sites around the state – picked by the rally organizers – to ride to. Each rider has his own number, which is to be displayed on the bike at each site; the requirement being to take a picture of the site with the bike in front of it. 25 or more sites earns a patch! That woman God gave me suggested I sign up for this rally – “sounds like fun!”, she said. I asked her if she really just wanted me out of the house a bit.

Starting in March, I rode to carious places with a plan to gather 26 or 27 sites. In May, I took a 4-day camping trip to Meridian State Park (west of Waco) to pick up 8 sites. I had plans to spend time with a friend in the Houston area to pick sites around that area.

But the 2025 prayer meeting had been planned for the second week of June and I wanted to ride the new bike to that. So I consolidated the trip to the prayer meeting with the rally trip to Houston.

The Plan

1 June, ride to Spring, TX after picking up a Ground Tour of Texas site in Shiner, stopping in Sugarland for worship with Lous and his congregation. 200 miles. Spend 4 nights with Andy.

2 June, 239 mile trip to pick up Grand Tour sites in Navasota, Bryan, Hearne, and Burton.

3 June, 211 mile trip to pick up Grand Tour sites in Wharton and Lake Jackson.

4 June, relax. Lunch with John.

5 June, 300 mile trip to JR’s house, picking Grand Tour sites in Groveton, Caddo Mounds, Rusk, and Gladewater.

6 June, 205 mile trip to Warren, Arkansas. Spend one might at Clairmont Inn.

7 June, 200 mile trip to Nesbit, MS. Spend 1 night at Homestay Inn, Horn Lake, MS.

8 June: worship with Mercy Hill then onto Debbie’s house, 17 miles

13 June, 192 mile trip to Warren, Arkansas. Spend one night at Clairmont Inn.

14 June, 212 miles to Donald’s home. Spend one night.

15 June, Pick up 27^th site in Jaquin, TX, then home, 335 miles.

The tires that came on the bike were low end and, after 8,400 miles, with the big trip looming large in my mind, I bought new tires in April and mounted the rear tire pretty quickly. When I got home from the camping trip, I had almost two weeks before the big trip, so I changed the oil and filter, checked the air filter and cleaned it up. 4 days before the trip was to begin, I changed the front tire.

I have been changing my own motorcycle tires for decades. Built a stand for balancing them. This front tire vibrated the handlebars at 45 mph; balancing twice did nothing to resolve that. I contacted a motorsports shop in the city they agreed to balance it for me – on Friday. I got the wheel home that evening and put in on the bike. Saturday morning, I took it for a test drive. The problem remained. I called the shop and was asked to ride the bike in for examination. I told them the bike was smooth as glass with the old tire on it, but they wanted to look at all the components of the front suspension. I was at their shop by 10AM, the day before my departure.

The fellas at the shop wanted to examine everything and charge me for it. I wanted to get the bike ready for the trip, so I agreed. They found nothing wrong with the bike. I told them, again, that I thought the tire was defective – it was only thing that had been changed. They put the wheel on the balancing table and looked at it from the front – and saw the tread wobble back and forth. Defective tire. Their parts guy said they had a couple of tires that size and type; I chose one that got good reviews on the forum for this bike. It was more than twice the price of the defective tire. They mounted it and I headed out – no vibration from the tire! Got home around 4PM.

Side note: the defective tire was under warranty; I returned it and will get a refund.

Did what packing I could Saturday evening and went to bed, anticipating the trip and thanking God for an understanding wife. I had packed some books, to give to the friends I would stay with. At 7AM on 1 June, I headed to Houston.

Time spent with Louis and New Covenant Church was joyful. Nice to get re-acquainted with old friends and meet some new ones. They have lunch at noon, Lord’s Supper after lunch, then singing, praying, and a message with Q&A. This was good for my soul. I gave Louis a copy of A Tale of Two Confessions and Faith, Law, and Society. I arrived at Andy’s house around 5PM; traffic around Houston is always miserable. Andy and I rode together for many years, making two camping trips into Arkansas. I stayed with Andy and his wife until Thursday morning, spending Monday riding northwest to pick up 4 sites and Tuesday riding south for 2 more. Wednesday was a riding sabbath; I rested that morning, met an old, dear, friend for lunch and much theological discussion. Quiet time that evening, as my hosts had a party to attend.

I hit the road early, with little more than 300 miles ahead of me, with stops to pick up 4 sites on the way. I’ve developed a habit while riding – when the road doesn’t demand my full attention, I’ve begun praying for various people and singing hymns in my head. This has been very good for my spiritual health. I arrived at JR’s farm around 5 PM. JR and I have been friends since around 2000; we met at a men’s Bible study on Friday mornings. He and his wife are dear to my soul. I gave JR a copy of The Gospel in Isaiah; we talked into late in the evening.

Short day on Friday, little more than 200 miles to my motel in Warren, Arkansas. As I rolled into that small town, a shack of a restaurant caught my eye – Roberton’s Smokehouse. It was a bit after noon and I turned in. My, oh, my! $12 for about a third of a pound of lean brisket and two sides. And it was SO good! Mark that joint; it is worth a visit.

Saturday was to be another short day of little more than 200 miles to my destination in Horn Lake, Mississippi. There was a light rain when I left Warren, which dried up in about 90 minutes. I passed south of Helena and got on US49 to cross the mighty Mississippi River. That bridge rises up about 50 to 75 feet above the river, the pavement was wet and the wind was blowing across the road. About half a mile into Mississippi, a cross wind of about 50 mph ‘bout blew me right off the highway. A drenching rain, the likes of which I haven’t seen in more than 40 years, soaked every bit of me in less than 3 minutes. In the valley of that great river there are no places to turn off the road, no places to stop under any shelter. So I road on – for 10 miles in that downpour – until I saw a Dollar General store. I pulled into their lot, went inside, puddled everywhere I walked. Bought some trail mix and bottle of water; the workers lent me a chair to sit on. I chatted with my wife on a phone that kept telling me there was moisture in the charging port.

The rain nearly stopped about an hour after I went inside the store. I ventured back in a light drizzle. 5 miles later, heavy rain. I was on a back road that would have been a lot of fun in daylight. As it was, I could go no more than 35 mph because of the rain. Despite the darkness and heavy rain, I noticed some cars being driven without their headlights on. At one point, I slowed down for no apparent reason – and an unlit car appeared, approaching me on my side of the road as he drove around a downed tree on the road. I later contemplated on this – I am thoroughly convinced God restrained me at that point, causing me to slow down so I wouldn’t hit that car head-on. He has delivered me from death thus far; how can I not trust Him? Do you know Him? Only one way to have peace and eternal life – believe on the Lord Jesus!

About 30 minutes out from my hotel in Horn Lake, Mississippi, the sun came out. I did not get anywhere close to dry by the time I arrived. I checked in, took everything off, dried myself, put on dry clothes (nothing in my luggage was wet!), then put my wet riding clothes, jeans, and gloves on the bike to be dried by the sun. Used the hair dryer to dry out my boots. Wrung the water out of the other bits and hung them up in the bathroom. Then I walked 5 minutes to a Waffle House and had a pecan waffle, sausage, and coffee for a late lunch. Everything was dry by 7 the next morning.

I had planned to meet with the saints known as Mercy Hill, in Olive Branch – been with them twice in the past couple of years. They have a connection with some folks back home at Community Baptist and I feel at home with these dear folks. It was a short ride; the weather that Sunday was beautiful! Arrived in time to score a blueberry cake do-nut and cup of coffee. Gave the preacher a copy of A Tale of Two Confessions, the 1644 London Baptist Confession, and Faith, Law, and Society. His message was very good. Had lunch at the house of a member with whom I’ve become good friends. About 8 others from Mercy Hill were there as well. Had a fine time talking with them, then another short ride to Debbie’s house, where I would stay until my departure home on Friday.

Debbie is a member of the host congregation; she has the gift of hospitality. She has hosted folk who come to this prayer meeting in the past. Her father had died a couple of months before – he was 99 years old. All who knew him spoke well of him, and his daughter. A friend from Louisiana joined us; he had driven up for the prayer meeting. This picture is the view from Debbie’s house. Debbie is food pusher, always wanting to cook something and feed her guests. Also, much mutual benefit in talking about the Lord and how He is always good to His own people. I gave a copy of Captive to the Word of God.

The prayer meeting started at noon each day, with times of prayer until 5 PM. A light supper then a message from a brother who was there. This year, the focus was on various aspects of personal revival and awakening. I think the Lord was preparing me for this time during my travel; praying and singing while alone on the road. The prayer time with these dear folks was sweet and impactful; the Lord has restored the joy of my salvation! I do not want to lose this deep-seated sense of satisfaction with and humble awe of the all-powerful, all-knowing creator reaching down to save me from sin and hell and reconcile me to Himself. Here’s part of a hymn that is still making music in my head:

And what wondrous love is this 
Though I raised my clenched fist 
He opened up my hand to received His gift. 

And what wondrous love is here 
The God Immortal has drawn near 

And shed His blood to close the rift. 

How truly awesome it is to be redeemed by the Lamb! The time with the saints gathered for this prayer meeting was strength for my soul as God Himself ministered to us and to me.

As I looked to Friday, beginning my travel home, the weather was fickle. Friday morning was clear, no – it had lots of rain! By late Thursday, I determined to get back on the road regardless. Friday morning was partly cloudy and delightful. My trip to Warren, AR was more enjoyable than my trip from that town. Lunch at Robertson’s Smokehouse was another terrific meal.

Saturday looked to be a good day for travel and I hit the road for a short day to m friend Donald’s house, near Mansfield, LA. On the way, a bridge had a very rough joint where it met the abutment on one end. Nearly shook me loose from the handlebars. Some time after that I stopped for chow and discovered that bump shattered the plastic outer shell on my left saddlebag. There are sturdy fabric liners in the saddlebags; none of my stuff fell out. I met Donald at a family camp in northern Arkansas back when we lived in SE Oklahoma. Donald and his wife treat me like family. I got to see a new-born calf on his farm, the momma cow standing over it, licking it and nudging it to stand. Nice conversation until late into the evening. I gave him a copy of Faith, Law, and Society.

Sunday morning came early – I had about 375 miles to go to get home. Had breakfast on the road and enjoyed bright sun and some cooling clouds. Picked up my last Grand Tour site as I entered Texas. As I made my way south and west, I ran into rain – about 90 minutes from home. It was hard enough to slow me down but didn’t soak me like the rain in the Mississippi River valley. I outran the clouds and had sun the rest of the way. Arrived home around 5 PM. The liner in the saddlebag kept my stuff dry!

The total trip ran just over 2,500 miles. I ended up with 27 sites for the Grand Tour, should get a patch later this year. My wife was glad to see me; both dogs were waggy-tale happy. I am thankful to God for keeping me safe on the trip and keeping the bike running like a clock. This trip was not as tiring as the 2,000 trip I made on the older bike 2 years ago. I do not know how much longer I’ll be able to ride, so I enjoy it while I can. Finding a replacement for the saddlebag is difficult – such parts are no longer being made and supplies are rare.

Back home, determined to not be satisfied with religious formalism; must have Christ! 

To Memphis and Back Again

Prayer Meeting Trip Report – June 2023

To Memphis and Back Again

 

My home church belongs to the Sovereign Grace Baptist Fellowship; one of the congregations in that fellowship has been hosting a prayer convocation for 14 years. The aim of this meeting is to pray for the revival of the those who profess Christ, for unity within the local assemblies, for God to raise up young men as preachers and missionaries and raise up wives for these, and for the aging saints to not grow weary in well doing. This meeting lasts 3 days, taking place in northern Mississippi, just south of Memphis, TN. Since I am retired, I decided to participate in this year’s meeting. My dear wife suggested I make an adventure of it and take the motorcycle – my 1985 Honda Sabre 700. Love that woman!

Plan was to leave on 14 June, 2023 and have a couple of days to ride around the Memphis area for fun. The prayer meeting was 20 – 22 June. Ride home would be 2 days. I would spend the first night with friends I met at a Christian camp several years earlier; they live north of Logansport, LA. On the trip home, I would spend the night with a couple near Mt. Pleasant, TX that I have known for 20 or more years. Total trip would be 11 days, 10 nights. I took books I have written or edited and published for each person I would spend time with.

 

14 June, to Logansport. Beginning odometer: 23,135

Up early to leave the house around 6AM. Got half a block away and discovered the routes were not on

the GPS! Back to the house to correct this, and on my way at 0615 (military time used in this report).

The old Honda ran flawlessly, as I made good time with much of this leg being on highways 90, 21, and 79. The GPS started out working fine, but about 2 hours into the trip, it began rebooting continually every 1 to 5 minutes. It finally shut down. I had written out turn-by-turn directions for every day, with the current route in the clear plastic top of my tank bag. Not as stress-free as knowing the distance to the next turn. 

I arrived at my friend’s house around 1330; ending at 23,475 for a 340 mile day. Good chow and conversation with Donald and his wife, covering many theological topics. Their dog Cookie is a very nice dog. I gave Donald a copy of Baptism and Babylon, containing works on baptism by Andrew Ritor and John Tombs, and on Babylon by Hanserd Knollys; all from the 17^th century.

15 June, to Pine Bluff.

This day would be about 100 miles less than day 1, so I left Donald’s house at 0715. I took major highways to get around the west side of Shreveport and across the Red River; then back onto back 

roads.

The GPS began working for 10 – 15 minutes at a time, then dead for an hour or two. I made a stop for a nature call on a very remote, lonely section of a state highway 98. When I parked the bike on the side of the road (no shoulder), I failed to get the kickstand all the way down. As I got off the bike, it fell to the left; I was unable to lift it up.

I began praying that God would send some help. About 15 minutes later, a semitruck approached; I waved him down. The driver hopped out – a young man that was built like the Hulk. He asked what I needed and I told him I could use help picking up the bike. He reached down and lifted it up, I grabbed it. He asked if that was all I needed and was I OK? I assured him only my ego was bruised and thanked him for his help. Off he went and then I followed, once I checked the bike. Didn’t notice it at the time, but found out a couple days later than my horn switch was busted off during this mishap.

The rest of the trip was without drama. Arrived at Motel 6 in Pine Bluff at 1315, odometer at 23,756 for a 281 mile day. I had a book on textual criticism of the Old Testament with me; did some reading and grabbed a small dinner before hitting the hay.

 

16 June, to West Memphis.

Left Pine Bluff at 0730; GPS is mostly working. Short day with good, curvy road and some boring highways. Crossed the White River – gorgeous view! – but failed to stop for a picture. This is my major failure on motorcycle trips. Arrived at my motel in West Memphis, AR at 1100. This was to be my base for 3 days, until I moved to the hotel close to the prayer meeting. Had breakfast at IHOP for lunch.

Thunderstorms came rolling through, making ride plans for the afternoon void. Odometer at 23,927 for a 171 mile day. Total trip to destination was 792 miles.

Tomorrow’s weather looks promising, with a 300 mile ride planned.

 

17 June, at West Memphis.

Out the door around 0730. GPS was working – for 10 minutes; then it was dead and stayed dead. I found the route I had planned and was able to follow it for about an hour, when I missed a turn. Many

of these local roads have no markings, making my notes less than competent. I explored northern Mississippi and found my way back to the motel around 1400. Odometer at 24,187 for a 260 mile day. Saw this in the parking lot where I got dinner – a classic MG Midget.

More thunderstorms this evening and through the night. The Walmart superstore near my motel claimed to have a Garmin like mine in stock for $88. Between rain I rode 7 miles there and back again. Walmart is like Lowes – their stock is all bar-coded or RFID managed and yet their stock status on their websites can only be guaranteed to not be reliable. They did not have the item in stock and I was not going to spend $200 on a new GPS.

 

18 June, at West Memphis.

A YUGE thunderstorm that rolled from NE Texas, through Oklahoma and Arkansas hit Memphis Saturday night. I was going to ride into northern Mississippi to meet a friend for breakfast, but the weather changed every 15 minutes and I was not going through Memphis on my bike in the rain.

This friend – a close friend of a dear brother at my home congregation (Community Baptist in Elmendorf, TX) decided to drive 30 miles to pick me up. We had breakfast at the IHOP near my motel. After some conversation, he offered to drive to his place of worship (Mercy Hill, in Olive Branch, MS). Some of those saints are related to some saints back home! Great time with those dear people, with an excellent sermon about judgment day from Jude’s letter. Judgment Day will be a day of terror for those who do not have faith in the Son of God and that same day will be a glorious day of victory and joy for those who do.

We went to lunch then he took me back to my motel. No miles on the bike. The weather Sunday turned out to be beautiful. Weathermen still can’t bat 1,000 – even for today!

 

19 June, to Horn Lake, MS.

The direct driving distance to my new hotel was about 30 miles through Memphis; so I planned a 215

mile trip around the region, clockwise. Surprising to me, kudzu has invaded this area – I did not realize it was this far north.

This route took me on several small country roads that connected between two state highways. The GPS woke up occasionally – just when I needed it to show me a turn. Off and on it blinked, giving me much needed instructions time and again. This route was fun and took me through several small towns on curvy roads through hilly country.

The old Honda continues bring smiles to my face. The Lord kept brining hymns to my mind and caused me to pray for many people I know. Had lunch at Waffle House – pecan waffle, bacon, coffee. Great chow, friendly, efficient staff. Another reason to smile.

Arrived at La Quinta around 1400 Odometer was 24,417 for a 230 mile day. The GPS quit – for good – about 100 miles short of the hotel. But I had been in this area on Saturday and knew the roads I needed to get to my new home. Ordered a new GPS from Amazon – it arrived on Wednesday; plenty of time before I would depart.

 

20 – 22 June. Prayer Meeting.

Each day, at noon, we would meet at Bridgetown Baptist. The elder from that congregation would explain what the major topic of prayer for the first hour was and we – 25 to 35 people each day – would pray; asking God to revive His people, to save lost souls, to raise up men to be elders and missionaries, and to raise up wives for these; also that the aging saints would not grow weary doing well. Each of the three sessions had a related but different focus. We had snacks during the day and a nice dinner each evening before the preaching each evening.

I gave Larry – the elder at Bridgetown – a copy of my latest book, In Darkness – Light!, a look at the

hand of God on His people during the Dark Ages.

I had a room-mate at this hotel – a preacher from Louisiana that I knew. He did not ride his Sportster up, but thought he might get a bike more suited to long distance rides for next year. I am not sure I’ll be up for another trip like this next year. This was my parking spot for the time at this hotel. I gave this brother a copy of my first book, Captive to the Word of God, A Particular Baptist look at the Reformation and the Covenants.

These 3 days were deeply refreshing, spiritually. How rare for saints to cry out to God for all sorts of spiritual needs with not one prayer for a physical need. There was talk about the spiritual depravity on display in the daily news and in most cities in this nation. It is God’s role to judge sinful man; it is our charge to proclaim the gospel of grace to all people.

The new GPS worked fine and had no trouble loading my routes from the SD card I had in the dead GPS.

23 June. To JR’s.

The first day of the homeward journey was planned to end at the farm of a friend, east of Mt. Pleasant, TX. I departed at 0620. The new GPS was working and had my route loaded. This day was an uneventful ride on beautiful, engaging roads which took me UP and across the Mississippi River and across the Missouri, Arkansas, and Red rivers – all on small, 2 lane roads.

Stopped for a quick, small lunch about 80 miles north of Texas; was told to arrive hungry. Arrived at JR’s farm – in the COUNTRY, about 15 miles east of Mt. Pleasant – at 1420. It was sunny and hot. 8 hours in the seat, thankful I have an air cushion on my seat. Odometer at 24,806 for a 389 mile day. The old Sabre is a HOSS!

A dear friend of mine from my Oklahoma days was riding his bike down, as we haven’t seen each other in more than three years and he wanted to catch up. He arrived at 1730 – plenty of time for me to shower and relax. We went out to dinner and came back to the farm where the three guys stayed up a couple hours talking theology. I gave JR a copy of my book, The Gospel in Romans.

JR cleared out space in his pole barn so we could park our bikes under a roof – thunderstorms coming! He has a cabin with two bedrooms for guests. We were treated very well and were thankful to God for this brother.

I felt well and not tired after a long day on the road. Was looking forward to the final day!

  

24 June. Homeward!

Up at 0600 to find the storms had passed and skies full of sun. I loaded up the Honda and was on the road at 0630. Stopped for breakfast at 0730. Nice, cool morning with sun and lots of clouds. Fun roads between boring ones.

I started getting tired around 1000 – was riding generally southwest into a hot wind coming from the southwest. I stopped for a rest and a strawberry milkshake at 1130. This cooled my belly and my route

took me on TX-50, which was curvy fun!

But then, the road ahead was closed off by highway patrol; a few cars were in front of me. A rail tanker car was off the tracks just beyond the road, with heavy-weight wreckers on the scene. They had not yet attached any chains to the rail car. Behind the emergency vehicle at the left of the picture is the top end of the rail car. It would be HOURS before they opened the road.

I turned around and found a route that had 7 miles of gravel road and 20 miles of pavement to get around this and back on my route south of the scene. This added about an hour to my travel time.

I was hot and tired. Made it to Luling – about 50 miles from home – and stopped for a long lunch in an air conditioned restaurant. I made it home at 1600, odometer at 25,223 for a 417 mile day. Total trip was 2,088 miles.

Happy to be home. Thankful for a safe trip and enriching fellowship with saints of the living God. Need to find a new left hand switch module or make a new switch for the horn. Gonna need a couple of days to recuperate. The last trip like this I took was in 2007, when I flew to D.C. to buy a bike and ride it back to Houston that summer. 

John 17 - Jesus prays for His disciples

In John 17, Jesus prays for Himself, those disciples who walked with Him in His days of the flesh, and for all who would follow the teaching. We should learn how to pray by learning from the Lord.

Here's a short message giving the context of John 17 and describing how Christ Jesus prayed.

Colossians 1:9-14 Prayer of the Saints

Colossians 1:9-14 Prayer of the Saints

Colossians 1:9-14 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;  That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins.

This passage shows us the vibrant nature of the prayers continually offered up by Paul and Timothy for the saints in Colossae. We gain much insight as to how we should pray. Our time this morning will be to mine this passage to see how we should pray. Ever been convicted by Scripture?

There should not be any argument that prayer should be a steady part of every Christian’s daily walk with the Lord. As with any part of our Christian life, we can easily be pulled away by apathy, laziness, distraction, distress, abundance, joy, and pretty much anything else that comes our way. It sometimes seems like we have as much trouble staying focused on the invisible God as did the Jewish people so long ago, when they demanded a human king just like the pagan nations had. Samuel was told by God that he, the prophet of Israel, was the one being rejected; He – their God – was being rejected, since the day I brought them out of Egypt until this day, abandoning Me and worshiping other gods.

As we reflect on prayer in this passage of Scripture, I pray we will each be inclined to be more biblical and consistent in our prayer life – and not reject God as the Jewish nation did. We have been delivered from the power of darkness much like Israel had been delivered from Egypt. Let us learn from them and this apostle how to not follow in their steps, but follow after Christ!

We will look at 4 aspects of pray that this passage teaches on: Why we should pray, when we should pray, how we should pray, and who can pray. If these questions have never entered your mind, I hope in Christ you will consider them this day.

1.     

     Why pray (read verse 9)

Paul begins this paragraph with a phrase that calls our attention elsewhere – for this cause we pray for you. Where do we find Paul’s reason? If we look back to verses 4-6 we’ll see Paul & Timothy were prompted to pray because they were thankful for the work God was doing among the saints in that small, remote town. The gospel was bearing fruit and spreading throughout the region; the saints loved one another and had put their hope in heaven; their lives were grounded in the truth of God’s Word and the grace He gives to each of the redeemed.

One of the biggest reasons found in the Bible for the saints of God to pray is to give thanks to Him! In addition to the reasons found here, we find Jesus giving thanks to the Father when He multiplied the fish and loaves as He fed the masses; when He broke the bread and shared the cup of at the first Lord’s Supper. We see Anna, a servant in the temple when Jesus was brought for circumcision, giving thanks to God for the redemption that had come to Jerusalem. The one leper returned to Jesus, fell at His feet and gave thanks for his healing. During his shipwreck, Paul gave thanks to God for the food and gives thanks to God for the victory we have in Christ Jesus. He told the Ephesians that he always thanks God for them as he remembered them in his prayer. And Paul also tells us all food created by God is good and should not be rejected if received with thanksgiving.

Are we thankful people – even for the everyday things such as what we eat? Even for the eternal things like the salvation of one another?

2.      When to pray

It’s in verse 9 that we see when to pray for others – when we hear of the reason we ought to pray. How often do we tell people “I’ll pray for you”? And then we fail to pray for them. How much better, in many ways, to pray right then! When we are the most busy – it’s time to pray. When Jesus was mere hours away from being arrested, He withdrew to spend time in prayer with the Father. When danger lurks, we should pray so we do not enter into temptation – no waiting until we fall into it! Cornelius knew of God but knew he didn’t know God – and he spent time in prayer, seeking understanding. When Peter was in prison (Acts 12), those who loved him prayed for him. When a married couple is having difficulties, praying together is God’s way for them to be healed. And in Ephesians 6 Paul tells to pray all the time – for the spread of the gospel and for the church. James tells us to pray when we’re sick and to pray for those who are sick. And Peter instructs us (1 Peter 4:7) Now the end of all things is near; therefore, be serious and disciplined for prayer.

Are we a praying people? I don’t know about you, but I need BIG improvement in this area. It would be good for us as a church to spend time together praying – not merely as a short time after Bible study. Maybe instead of Bible study. It’s always a good time for God’s people to draw near to Him in prayer.

3.      How to pray (verses 9b-12)

In our daily lives, what constitutes most of our prayers? Is it not things of our fleshly bodies – health, finances, families? What do we see here? I am sure that the saints in Colossae, as well as Paul and Timothy, had nagging problems with their health, finances, weight, and myriad other earthly aggravations. Yet we don’t see them praying or asking for prayer for those matters in this passage.

One thing that can help is pray properly is to recognize the nature of prayer. One author (Brian Hedges) observed, “prayer is the greatest, most exalted form of communication a human being can attempt. For prayer is communication with God. Communion with God. Speaking to God, the Creator of the universe, the Sustainer of worlds, the Lord of the ages. Prayer is speaking to this God—and being heard!”

We find in our passage prayers for wisdom and spiritual understanding; obedience (walk worthy); bearing fruit; and growing in knowledge of God. Woe unto those who think they can slide along without diligence, woe to those who think they’ve arrived, woe to all who think need no more wisdom from God!

But do we, who acknowledge our woeful inadequacies in each of these areas, plead with God through prayer to be ever conformed to and content with Him? Our prayers should primarily contain thanksgiving for the blood of Christ that cleanses us from sin; praise to God for He alone is worthy of our praise as our Creator and sustainer and advocate; confession to Him as we realize how imperfectly we walk as He has called us; and requests that He have mercy on those who are perishing, strengthen the weak, grant us wisdom as we witness.

We are free to pray for physical things – for ourselves and others – once we take of first things. As we think of all the things that crowd our minds for attention, let us remember the instructions to fix our minds on heavenly things that we might be mindful of the first things we ought to pray for.

Lest we forget, the apostle also shows us here that our prayers ought to be filled with praise to God for Who He is – greatly to be praised. Not only in corporate praise, but in our personal time when we approach Him in prayer. Since we have so much to be thankful for, praise to Him Who provides is not merely just, but good for our souls. These prayers remind us of our dependence upon the Lord our God, as well as His faithfulness to provide for us.

4.      Who can pray? (verses 112b - 14)

Does the one who is rescued deserve credit for his rescue from sin and death? As Paul mentioned to the church in Rome, where then is the boasting? It is excluded! By what law – of works? No! By the law of faith! (Rom 3:27) In whom do we boast? Only in Christ Jesus! So the one who boasts must boast in the Lord. (2 Cor 2:17) When we look in our passage at who can pray, we see it is those who have been qualified, rescued, transferred, and redeemed; all of these actions noted by Paul in these verses have God as the one taking them. We boast in the name of the Lord, our God! (Psalm 20:7) We will take a quick look at these 4 characteristics to see how they qualify us to pray to God rightly.

a.       Qualified. In verse 12 Paul gives thanks for the saints in Colossae whom the Father has qualified to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. The KJV says we were made to be partakers in this inheritance. Formerly we walked in darkness, as do all the children of Adam. But having been made partakers in Christ Jesus, we now walk in the light as children of the most high God; heirs of His kingdom in the age to come. By calling us saints, God denotes we have been set apart and as such, we can approach Him with boldness – with the holiness He provides, without which none can approach Him. Only those qualified can pray to Creator God.

b.      Rescued. In verse 13, Paul starts off saying we have been rescued or delivered from the domain or authority and rule of darkness. When Judas betrayed the Lord Jesus, and the chief priests, temple police, and elders were upon Him, He asked them why they came with weapons and force, observing, “Every day while I was with you in the temple complex, you never laid a hand on Me. But this is your hour — and the dominion of darkness.” (Luke 22:53). Though he is bound from deceiving the nations for the time, Satan is the power behind those who wreak havoc and cry out against the light of the Word of God. People how have no shame, but demand full acceptance of their debauchery as normal. We have been rescued from that dominion, sin is no longer our master. Those who belong to the darkness do not have the ear of God, for He is not their father.

c.       Transferred. Still in verse 13 the apostle tells us where we’ve been delivered to. For God has not merely rescued us from the dominion of darkness, He has transferred or translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son that He loves! Our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. (Phil 3:20) So many seem to miss this idea – God does not merely set us free from master sin; He delivers us to Master Grace! If we were only set free from sin, we would be as Adam and Eve – having to live perfectly to enjoy fellowship with our Creator. But, in truth, we are in far better shape than Adam and Eve – we have been made righteous in Christ. Not only free from master sin, but reconciled to Master Grace! This means we have access to our Father, our prayers are sweet aroma to Him. What a privilege!

d.      Redeemed. In the last verse in our passage, Paul tells us we have redemption in Him, Christ Jesus. This word redemption means to buy back something that has been sold or put away in a pawn shop. In our case, we were slaves in the sin market and God redeemed us from that kingdom, at the high cost of the death of His Son, bringing us into the kingdom of Light. This redemption in Christ brings us forgiveness, the act of God putting our sins away; put away as certainly as is the death of Jesus; so nobody can buy them back and hang them around our necks! Forgiveness of sins, redeemed: the highest act of love, God became man, lived under the Law, was tempted in every way yet sinned not, and drank the cup of God’s wrath due us. Because we are forgiven, we have standing before the throne of God.

Having seen all that has been done so we can approach God, having seen the glorious truths that we can thank Him for, being in awe at being found in Christ having His righteousness – we should be unable to keep quiet or be distracted from rightly praying. John Hedges summed it up:

Astronomers have discovered that some stars seen with a naked eye in the night sky are actually whole clusters of stars. What appears to be a single star is actually an entire system filled with burning orbs of light. That’s what this passage is like. The truth here is vast, containing more glory than we can fully grasp. No wonder Paul bursts into thanksgiving to God! And so should we.

When we truly begin to grasp the extraordinary power of the gospel of Christ that turns us into the new creation people of God characterized by faith, hope, and love—people who bear fruit in every good work, growing in our knowledge of God and strengthened by his power—how can we not give thanks? The saving power of God has rescued us from darkness through the new exodus accomplished by the redeeming death of his Son, our Lord Jesus. He has transferred us into the kingdom of light. He has given us a share in the inheritance of God’s holy people.

Let us rejoice as God’s holy people. Let us sing His praises and pray with joyful hearts for the glorious blessings He has given us – including each other. Henry Lyte helps us keep these things is proper perspective in his hymn:

Praise, my soul, the King of heaven;

to his feet your tribute bring.

Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,

evermore his praises sing.

Alleluia, alleluia!

Praise the everlasting King!

Brian Hedge: “When we truly begin to grasp the extraordinary power of the gospel of Christ that turns us into the new creation people of God characterized by faith, hope, and love—people who bear fruit in every good work, growing in our knowledge of God and strengthened by his power—how can we not give thanks”, in prayer and praise?