Paul's Prayer
In the letter to the Colossians, we read a beautiful prayer that Paul lifts to heaven for the believers there. He knew of their faith and endurance during trials and wanted them to know that he was joining them in petitioning the Lord to grant certain blessings on them. As we read the request it becomes timeless and is a great pattern for us to pray today for our church and fellow laborers in the Lord.
He begins by praying that they might “be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom.” This must be a supreme desire, to be filled with Godly knowledge. Not the wisdom of man but to peer into the heart of God and understand not only what He wants us to do but to begin to understand why He leads us. Worldly knowledge will fade away, but Godly understanding is eternal.
He next prays that they might “walk worthy of the Lord, being fruitful and increasing.” This is not an automatic function once we become a child of God. Salvation doesn’t immediately make us spiritually mature or prevent us making foolish choices in life, but it does, however, give us the tools to grow into an obedient and fruitful disciple. We often think that being saved makes us constantly in tune with the will of God and our feelings are directly connected to the will of God. Nothing is farther from the truth. Developing discernment and close walk with the Lord is attainable but requires much devotion and prayer to achieve.
Paul then prays for the believers to be “strengthened according to His glorious power.” We know that knowledge is power. The more we realize the power of God, the more we will be comforted by it and walk in confidence in His abilities. This is not an arrogance but rather a confidence in God doing what He says He will do. If we lack faith, then our obedience is affected in a negative way. If we are building upon the rock of Jesus Christ, then we are able to trust Him and worry less about what may come. He never promised the path would be easy, but He did promise that we would never walk it alone. He will be with us always, to guide us and protect us.
Paul then pleads with God to never let them forget where their help comes from. “Give thanks to the Father.” Paul thanks the Father and prays the Colossians believers never fail to give thanks to God for all He does. How easily we forget to thank God. We are persistent to petition Him until we see His hand work in our lives but too often, we get right back inti our routine and fail to acknowledge His mighty work. Never forget He is everything to us and without Him we can do nothing.
If you need help in the prayer department, consider this petition of Paul in Colossians 1:9-14 and I believe it will help ground you to the things that are important and essential in a prayer life.