- ‘For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you might have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light’ (Colossians 1:1-12 NIV)
Do we take time to pray for our fellow believers? I mean really pray! The usual ideas of blessings and guidance, or whatever, may have their place but how can God answer prayer if we are so vague?
We can become very used to praying about world events, our leaders; religious and secular, the sick and afflicted in our fellowship and much else. But do we consider, or have a care for, the spiritual health of those around us?
Would it be in order to pray as Paul does:
- That they may be filled with the knowledge of God’s will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,
- So that they may live a life worthy of the Lord,
- Pleasing him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work,
- Growing in the knowledge of God,
- Being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience and joy,
- And in doing so we give thanks to the Father who has qualified them to share in the inheritance of the saints of light?
Would it seem rude and intrusive to actually pray for someone else in such a fashion? Paul has no qualms about this, he will pray for the Colossian church, whether they like it or not!
As believers would we not welcome such help in our journey with, and in knowledge of, God? Would we not appreciate someone caring enough about us to pray for us in such a fashion?
Are you in search of a New years Resolution that will have eternal ramifications?
Why not follow Paul in his prayer – for those of our fellowship and spiritual leaders, near and far?
