“For this reason we also since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you…” Colossians 1:9
Lessons in Prayer
Part One
I am intrigued by the prayers I find in Scripture. I underline them and meditate on them. I pray them. I want to learn to pray like the saints of old.
Recently in my morning time spent in Scripture and prayer, I came upon Paul’s prayer in Colossians 1:9-11. The first thing that struck me was how much time Paul and even Jesus spent praying for believers. I have a tendency to spend a lot of time interceding for non-believers. Not that there is error in that pursuit, but it would be beneficial to also remember those who share like faith with me.
I saw Paul’s devotion to prayer as he prays always for them and does not cease. When he thought of them, he prayed. When he heard of their growth, their struggles, their needs, he prayed. These believers were in his thoughts and in his heart, so he prayed.
And what did he pray for? What do I pray for? What moves you to prayer? Paul prayed that they would be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding. That is so incredibly powerful. Everything in our Christian walk begins here. To understand what God desires and have the wisdom to walk out His will should drive our lives in the here and now. Lord, what would You have me do? And how do I do it?
Then Paul prayed that they would walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him. Once we know the will of God, will we believe Him, trust Him, and obey Him? I want to be found pleasing to the Lord. I want to walk worthy of Him doing the things He has spoken to my heart. My knowledge of His will requires a heart response.
Paul prays that they would be fruitful in every good work. Matthew Henry says good words will not do without good works. That good work may be as grand as proclaiming the gospel to the masses, healing the sick, prophesizing, or just as gloriously comforting a child, speaking a word of encouragement, doing the dishes, or submitting to a husband. It all goes back to the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.
Paul prays that they would increase in the knowledge of God. I want to increase not only in knowledge but in an understanding of His heart, His character, who He is. I want to see things through His eyes.
Paul prays that they would be strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power for all patience and longsuffering with joy. To do the thing we are called to do, we need to do it in His strength and not our own. We need to be patient and persevering in the doing of His good will. I believe this will not only give us joy, but will give God joy as well.
Finally, Paul prays that they would give thanks to the Father. Let thanksgiving arise in the understanding of the will of a loving and gracious Father who calls us His own and wants to share His kingdom’s work with us. Let thanksgiving arise to the Father Who empowers us for all things and has a breathtaking future planned for us.
Let us pray!
“Father, teach us to pray. Show us Your heart as You call us to purpose and passion in this life. Our future is bright and beautiful! Oh, how we love You! Amen.”
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