Points 5 & 6

5) That we would use our time prudently (not waste it).


Time. The greatest commodity we are granted, yet so often taken for granted. Even as I write this I am reminded of how quick it can end when I consider what happened with Devon on Tuesday. You only have a short period of time here and then it is over. The works we perform is what will be judged in the end. This prayer is supposed to turn our minds towards "being about" our "father's business." This is why I am encouraging you to seek God in prayer about how you can use your time to work for Him. 
This also includes knowing who we talk to and for what amount of time. The devil will gladly take your time with "good" things. I can recall several times I cast pearls before swine who really had no regard for what I was sharing. It is possible to "spin your wheels" discussing or debating religious ideas. This usually manifests itself in a doctrine "tit for tat" where people argue back in forth one scripture for another.
     A good way to assess how you spend your time with someone is to seriously think about the results as well as how you feel afterwards.If you feel angry, upset, proud, and hopeless for the other person(s) chances are you have been wasting your time. Doing God's work is tiring but fulfilling, satisfying, and fills us with hope. I'm not saying you won't experience doubts about your effectiveness, but I tell you to patiently look at the results. Are the people you sharing with moving toward or away from God? It's truly that simple. Either they are moving closer to God or further away. Patiently endure.Be diligent in your efforts for God. It will bring fruit in due season.

6) That we speak in a way that treats others better than they deserve

This deals with how we communicate. It is too easy to talk "down" at people because they don't see it like we do. It is best to follow the path that Jesus set before us. He was firm with those that openly rejected him, yet so loving and encouraging to those who were truly seeking to know God. Think about Zacheus, and others who were clearly living in error yet had a desire to see Jesus. Jesus' speech caused them to feel something deep within. For the first time in his life, Zacheus felt respected and that brought hope.
    We live in a time period where people are not genuinely respectful of one another. There is a general selfish tone to our modern world. Even more, many people settle into a routine based on who they think they are. The result is what governs their actions, thoughts, even their concept of who they are. All of this is shaped by a defeated god, called satan. Is it no wonder they act, talk, and think they way they do. They live in a defeated world view. We only compound their dilemma when we talk down to them, or speak in an offensive tone. Let us not hinder the power of the gospel by tainting it with poor speech. May we learn to speak hope and blessings into the lives of others.

Here are a few examples of some things I have shared with people:
"You are too smart to believe in evolution."
"God made you more special than some animal."
"I know you don't think you can...... but I can see where God has blessed you with......."

Points 3 & 4

I know I said I was going to write about the others sooner, but I usually wait until I get at least one comment before doing another post. That way folks actually have time to read it and react/respond. I am more interested in responses than what I write ;)

That being said let's highlight the next two points from Col 4.

"3) That we could speak with His authority rather than my own"

It is too easy to look at a situation and think we know what is going on. It is just as easy to not share our faith because we don't know what to say or who to say it to. This is because we rely on our own authority and not God's. If you take the time to ask God who to speak to and what to say He will answer your prayer.
One particular time, I was praying for a man dying from Lou Gehrig's. During that time, the Lord burdened me with a strong desire to visit this man. The day I was supposed to meet with him (keeping in mind I had only met him 1 time, 18 years ago) God woke me up and shared with me 2 specific questions the man had. God also gave me answers to share with the man when I met with him later that day. When we go with God's authority there is a tremendous amount of courage that goes with you.


4) That we would enact the wisdom we have gained

Have you ever been in a situation where you failed or made a huge mistake? What is even more frustrating is to hear someone say, "Oh, I could have told you that wouldn't work." We usually reply by saying, "Then why didn't you tell me before I did ......" When you are the one failing you can easily get frustrated at those who hold back information vital to your success. Imagine how you would feel if your teacher told you there was a test in two weeks but never went out of their way to help you learn,maybe even just sitting at their desk. Sad to say, but this is what most Christians do. Living for God, experiencing trials and hardships teach you things about yourself and God. Rather than "sit at your desk" (just hanging around church folks/activities) get up and teach some one who continues to fail. You have learned some valuable lessons in your experiences with God. Share the wisdom.