Praying For People You Don't Know - Col. 1:9

 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you...

Paul apparently had not met the Colossians.  He had only heard about them through Epaphras, yet his pastor's heart went out to them.  He wanted God's best for them.  He wanted them to grow and mature as Christians.  He cared for them.  He prayed for them.

We can easily focus on our families or people we know.  It is easy to have our little circle and not peer too far beyond it...perhaps to a missionary sponsored by our church but not too far.  Sometimes this can be seen in church gatherings.  Friends clump together, talking and enjoying each other's company, while visitors or strangers are not acknowledged or only given a passing 'hello.'  [Unless, of course, it is our 'job' to be a greeter.]. I admit this is one of my weaknesses that I have to work on.  I tend not to be outgoing unless it is part of my professional persona [I work in retail].  I [and we] need to be more like Paul, concerned and involved in the success of others, especially in the Christian faith, whether we have a personal connection with them or not.