We can listen in as Paul prays for the church at Colossae. As I read this short prayer, I’m made aware of my own petty, selfish, faithless, insignificant prayers. Are you?
“We are asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding, so that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, so that you may have great endurance and patience, joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled you to share in the saints’ inheritance in the light. He has rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son he loves. In him we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins” (Colossians 1:9-14).
Distilled to a single thought, Paul prayed that the church would be continually growing toward spiritual maturity.
Look closely…
Paul prayed that the church would “be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.” Jesus taught His disciples to pray, “Our Father in heaven, your name be honored as holy. Your kingdom come. Your will be done…” (Matthew 6:9–10).
Oh Lord, give us insight and understanding. Teach us Your ways and Your will!
Paul continued, beseeching God to help the church “walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work.” Jesus made it quite clear - we’ll never bear good fruit unless we abide in Him (John 15:4) or, as Paul said, “walk” with Him.
Oh Lord, help us cling to you!
He also asked God to “strengthened (them) with all power, according to his glorious might, so that (they) may have great endurance and patience, joyfully giving thanks to the Father.”
Oh Lord, thank you for Your indwelling Spirit that never leaves us or forsakes us!
Paul concludes by reminding them (and us) of our glorious salvation. “He has rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son he loves. In him we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”
Oh Lord, thank You for saving us from sin and death.
“… think on these things” (Philippians 4:8, KJV).
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