Our daughter, Hope, worked hard to graduate with honors, and we were very proud of her accomplishments. We knew that God equipped her through the journey, and He blessed her with success. On her graduation announcements, we printed today’s passage and asked the recipients to pray these verses over her because we knew it would be a great and impactful model. It continues to be a passage we use frequently to pray over her and other believers.
Do you wonder how to carry out a strong and faithful prayer? Prayer will put you on the right side of the street, which is a life of dependence on God. If we want to pray effectively, it is imperative that we use scriptures in our prayers because by using the words that God has given us, we can pray with confidence. We can be assured that we are praying for God’s will and the right things. As intercessory prayer partners, praying through scripture can be a helpful way to ensure our prayers are shaped by God’s word.
In today’s passage, Paul prayed faithfully for the heart of the matter and the core issue for the believers in Colosse. The first item Paul prays for is that they will “know the will of God.” Knowing God’s will is first and foremost in the Christian experience. Many of us ask, “What do you want me to do, God?” It is the most adventurous pursuit in your life when you seek God first and his will. Being filled with the knowledge of God, is tied to us exercising what we learn about God. When we pray for others, we should pray that they hunger for God’s word and know his will so they will live a life that pleases God in every way.
Secondly, Paul prayed that they would have a walk with the Lord that produces fruit in every good work. A life that is conformed to the word of God includes growing in what we know. There is always a connection between learning and living a life that glorifies God.
Lastly, Paul prayed that they would be strengthened with might and great patience. The Colossians certainly needed this to stand against the barrage of attacks from the world. The Christian life is still a battleground and we still need the Lord’s strength, might, and power to handle it well. We obtain his strength and might by staying in the word of God and praising him, meditating on his words, trusting him, waiting on him, and giving thanks; these will produce endurance and patience.
Dear Lord, thank you for your presence and power throughout history and in our lives. Help me to accept the responsibility of exercising my faith in your promises and growing in my personal knowledge of Christ through your Word. In Jesus’s name, Amen.
Today’s challenge: Do you want to intercede in prayer for your children or loved ones? Or for a close friend who is struggling spiritually? Or for someone you are discipling? Take today’s passage and pray through it on their behalf.
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