For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light Colossians 1:9-12
The power of intercessional prayer must never be underestimated. Paul began this letter to the church of Colossae praising them for their acts of love. He said that the report of their faith in Jesus Christ was even further displayed by their acts of love toward others and particularly their loving care of other Christians. Yet, Paul was well aware that the journey ahead for them as believers would be laden with obstacles, with ridicule, and with trials of their faith. There would be those who infiltrated their ranks with ideologies or philosophies which would attempt to undermine the truth of the gospel. For that reason, Paul said, we do not cease to pray for you.
Have you ever prayed diligently for the salvation of someone and then once that prayer is answered, you stop praying for them? Certainly, I know that God will complete the work; but, that does not relinquish my obligation to be their constant prayer warrior. No matter how many years I have been studying the Bible or walking in the journey of faith; I need prayer to guide me. I will never fully know every aspect of God or His Glory until I am one day standing before Him. Paul wrote in Romans 11: 33-36
O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory forever. Amen.
That is why as Followers of Christ we must be forever students of the word. Beyond that, we need to be a people of prayer; seeking the wisdom of God to guide our understanding of the word. If indeed each of us needs this kind of intercessory prayer for ourselves; how much more do we need to be intercessory prayer warriors for others!
This prayer of Paul in Colossians is one we can prayer for ourselves and for others. So let us take a closer look at what exactly Paul is praying for.
1. To be filled with the knowledge of God’s Will in all Wisdom and Spiritual Understanding. How often do we just want to know what is God’s will in our lives? Should I take that job or stay at this job? Should I buy that, or shouldn’t I? I want to give more for God’s ministry; but, where should I give when there are so many good ministries to give to? Often the exact answer to some of our questions cannot be found in scripture. My prayer needs to be that God fill me with the knowledge of His will. That knowledge of His will begins with my seeking His Wisdom; a desire to know Him! Then with the help of the Holy Spirit that knowledge of God be transformed into an understanding of how to apply that to my life in a very practical way for my life.
2. Walk Worthy, pleasing to God and fruitful in Good Works. In my own knowledge, strength, or abilities; I cannot walk in any manner worthy of God’s Grace. Yet, in the strength of Jesus Christ; cloaked with His righteousness; I can walk in a manner that brings Glory to God. Obedience is pleasing to God and brings forth fruits of righteousness. My heart must first be bent toward obeying God. Then, I can seek His guidance every step of the way. He will see my desire toward obedience as a sweet aroma. Then, ever so gently He will prune my heart so that I can understand and know His Will. That pruning will lead toward good works; established by Him. Those good works will lead to fruitfulness in the spreading of the gospel. All of that leading to our understanding Him better and the cycle continues.
3. Strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness. As we face trials and hardships in this life; we need God’s strength to help us to patiently endure the hardships. Even more, He can fill our hearts with joy and hope even during those times of great tribulation. Note what Paul is praying for. He prayed that they might be filled with ALL MIGHT according to God’s Glorious Power. This is not based on my power. It is being strengthened by the Almighty Himself.
4. Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light. This journey of faith begins and ends in God alone through redeeming faith in Jesus Christ (God the Son) part of the trinity head. Yet, it was the Father’s will that the Son would come to earth to be born of a Virgin that He might pay the price for our sin.
[tweetthis]God’s Gift of Grace causes us to have Thankful hearts.[/tweetthis]
[bctt tweet=”A Thankful heart will be a heart that loves God, above all else.” username=”effiedarlene”]
[bctt tweet=”A heart that loves God will seek to know Him better and desire to do His will.” username=”effiedarlene”]
[bctt tweet=”A heart that seeks to know God and do His will, is a fruitful heart of love.” username=”effiedarlene”]
[tweetthis]A fruitful heart of love will be a Thankful Heart.[/tweetthis]
What a powerful prayer this is! I ask you to take my challenge and pray this prayer every day for the next 38 days for yourself and for at least one other person. On January 31, 2017 let us rejoice together for the miracles we will see happen.
I would love to here about your journey; please scroll down to comment below
Photograph used by permission https://unsplash.com/@patrickian4
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2016
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.