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
Paul is in chains, and the prayer he begs for is not "get me out" but "that I may reveal it as I ought to speak." He wants clear words more than open doors. Think of that. The man who wrote half the New Testament needed others praying over his speech. So who is praying over yours? And whose words do you carry to God?
Continue steadfastly in prayer, watching in it with thanksgiving." Paul wrote that with chains on his wrists. Not "pray until it works," but stay awake in it, eyes open, alert like a watchman on a wall. And thankful. What would change in your praying tomorrow if gratitude came first, before the asking?
Epaphras couldn't be in Colossae. He was with Paul, far off, unable to teach or correct or sit with them. So he wrestled. "Always striving for you in his prayers." That word carries sweat in it, the strain of a man laboring at something.
Who do you carry that way? Not a quick mention, but a struggle you return to, aching that they would stand complete.
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?
Looking for something for slightly older children?
We also have dedicated versions for elementary age (7-12) and teens (12 and up).
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