Praying for others

So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding.

Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better. We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light. Colossians 1:9-12

The Book of Colossians is one of the letters the apostle Paul wrote while imprisoned. From the text, Paul was expressing his eagerness for Christians in Colossae that they will continue to be faithful in their faith and their walk with God. He could have prayed for his own release or provisions while in jail, yet he prayed for others. He prayed that Christians will follow the will of God in their lives. He is asking God to give wisdom for the church of Colossae so they could know more of the will of God and be found living their lives for the glory of God. His prayer for others included continual growth that will bring them to knowing God more in their lives. Paul’s prayer for others indicated what was on his heart. He was asking God to provide believers the wisdom they needed so they could live their lives worthy of their calling as children of God. “We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit” (Col. 1:9-10). He prayed that God will help Christians to be able to apply the Word of God in their lives that there will be change in their character. Gaining knowledge from the Word of God will not be useful unless such knowledge will not impact daily living. This is also what Christ prayed for His followers when He was in the Garden of Gethsemane. “Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth” (John 17:17). How will you characterize your praying? Do you find yourself praying more for physical needs? Learn from the way how Paul prayed. Most of his prayers were offered so that others will continue to grow in their faith. Have you prayed for someone’s spiritual growth recently?

Blessings.