(Colossians 1:9-14)  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 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 may 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.

Paul wrote this prayer for the Colossians to encourage them as a new and growing church.  His prayer is powerful, and it covers important parts of what it means to be a Christian.  In it he covers a comprehensive list for spiritual growth to facilitate the development of a Christian’s relationship to God our Father.

I’ve been involved with church leadership for many years.  Enthusiastic leaders have a tendency to focus on what they are going to do for God rather than seeking God’s will for their ministry.  Paul wisely defines the proper order by continually asking God to fill the Colossians with the knowledge of his will.  He follows with clarifying how this is accomplished, “Through all wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives.”  The Holy Spirit will lead them into knowing God’s will.  By doing this they will be enabled to, “Live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way.”  Paul then lists the ways they will please the Lord.

Knowing God’s directions will cause them to bear fruit in every good work.  Jesus reminded his disciples “apart from me you can do nothing” (see John 15:5).  They will also, “grow in the knowledge of God, and be strengthened with all power according to his glorious might.”  This will lead them to have great endurance and patience.  As they pursue this growth in the Lord and see his hand in their lives, they will be moved to give joyful thanks to the Father.

What an abundant prayer beneficial for all of God’s people.  I pray this prayer for my church leaders, but I also pray it for every one of my brothers and sisters in the Lord.  The Apostle Paul, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, has provided great words of wisdom for the followers of Jesus Christ in all his letters.  I love to share his words.  For those of you who read this blog, it is from my heart that I share this prayer with you.