Colossians 4
Explanation and Bible story for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-6)
The Explanation
Paul was writing a letter. A long letter, with lots of love in it. He was far away from his friends. He could not visit them. So he wrote them a letter.
Paul said something important. He said, "Keep praying! Just keep on praying to God." Because talking to God is like talking to a Daddy who always listens. Always. Even at night. Even when you are sad. Even when you are happy.
Paul had helpers. Nice friends who traveled with him. There was Tychicus. That is a funny name. And Onesimus. And Mark, and Luke. Luke was a doctor. He knew how to help sick people.
There was also a man called Epaphras. Epaphras loved to pray. He prayed hard, every day, for his friends. He asked God, "Please make them strong. Please help them know You well."
At the end of the letter, Paul wrote his own name. With his own hand. He said, "Remember me. I am in prison. But do not forget me." And then he wrote, "Grace be with you." That means: God is good to you.
What Does This Mean?
Paul teaches us something very important. Talking to God, that is called praying. And you can do it all the time. In the morning. In the evening. When you eat. When you are in bed.
God always listens. He never says, "Not now, I am busy." Never.
The Common Thread
Do you know why we can talk to God? Because of Jesus. Jesus is God's Son. Jesus came to the earth. Jesus made a way to God, straight to His heart.
Now God is like a good Father. And we are His children. And children can always talk to their Father.
Epaphras prayed for his friends. Do you know Who else prays for us? Jesus! Jesus prays for you, up in heaven. Every day. Is that not wonderful?
For You
You can pray too. Right now, if you want. You do not need difficult words. You can just say, "Hello God. Thank You for the sun. Thank You for Mommy. Thank You for my bear."
And you can pray for other people. Like Epaphras did. For Grandma. For your little brother. For a friend who is sick. God hears it all.
And do you know what? God is good to you. Very good. Just like Paul wrote at the end of his letter.
Talk About It
Who would you like to pray for today?
What do you want to say thank You to God for?
Praying Together
Dear God,
Thank You that You always listen. Thank You for Jesus. Please help Grandma, and Daddy, and Mommy. Please help me too. You are good.
Amen.
Questions about Colossians 4
Short answers for anyone reading about this for the first time.
What is Colossians 4 about?
What does Colossians 4 say?
What does Colossians 4 teach us about God?
What can toddlers learn from Colossians 4?
Why is Colossians 4 an important Bible story?
What others discovered
Answer each one." Not a script you repeat, but a person you actually see. Paul says your words should carry grace first, then salt, enough flavor to make someone hungry for more. Think of the last conversation you had. Did your words leave a taste of Christ, or just your opinion?
Onesimus, the faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you." Colossae knew him as the slave who ran off. Paul hands him the letter and a new name in front of the whole church. Not "the one who came back," just brother, one of you.
Is there someone whose old story you keep retelling? Grace has already written over it.
Paul ends the letter with his own hand: "The salutation of me, Paul, with my own hand. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen."
Chained, aging, writing letters that would outlive empires, and his final plea is simply, "Remember my bonds." Not pity. Just remembrance. Who is quietly suffering for Christ that you have forgotten to pray for today?
Paul is in chains, yet listen to what he asks for: "praying together for us also, that God may open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds."
Not freedom. Not comfort. An open door for the gospel. His prison had not shrunk his heart, it had sharpened his purpose.
What would happen if your next hard prayer sounded like his?
Looking for something for slightly older children?
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