Colossians 4:2-6

Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.
Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

Colossians 4:2-6

Prayer is important.  We are told that we are to "continue steadfastly in prayer" or "devote yourselves to prayer" (NLT).  What's more is that we are told to be "watchful in it with thanksgiving" or do it "with an alert mind and a thankful heart" (NLT).  There seems to be a degree of focus Paul is calling attention to when he instructs watchfulness or an alert mind.  In addition, thankfulness is important.  I remember that thanksgiving is an important part of prayer and this reminds me of that.

Continuing with prayer, Paul asks for prayers for "us".  This letter is addressed from Paul and Timothy at the very beginning.  Also, as we will continue to read later on in this chapter, there are other people who also send their greetings to the recipients of this letter.  In any case, Paul and who he's with requests prayers on their behalf.  Specifically, they desire prayers regarding help in spreading the gospel.  We also learn here that Paul is currently in prison because he is sharing the gospel.

Before the final greetings, Paul talks about a believers' interactions with non-believers.  One is to be wise and make the best use of their time.  I guess this means that there are ways in which one can fall victim of misusing time with regards to non-believers.  Perhaps one way we can waste time is that we can spend too much time belaboring the gospel to a single person who simply will not hear it.  Though our desire is for them to be saved, there is a point to moving on and knowing God is the one who saves, not our work in arguing with others.

Our speech towards non-believers should be gracious.  It should be filled with grace, showing undeserved kindness and it should not be harsh.  We are also told that our speech is to be "seasoned with salt".  I always find this phrase to be fascinating.  Christians are told to be salt of the earth.  Our speech should be flavorful and different.  Speech that is gracious and seasoned with salt will help us to know how to answer each person.  I know that I can easily be turned to answer in anger or with harshness.  Instead, my speech should be grace filled.  In addition, it should be different.  It shouldn't be the typical response people would expect.  If that was the case, what would differentiate followers of Christ?  We should be different.  This is what we are called to do.