I have been benefited by praying for others; for by making an errand to God for them, I have gotten something for myself.
– Samuel Rutherford
Apostle Paul wrote the letter to the Colossians to address heresies that were growing within the church at Colossae. Paul started his letter by bringing God’s grace to the readers and letting them know that his thoughts are with them. Verses 9-14 focuses on Paul’s prayer for the Colossians. Let us reflect on verse 9 and see how we can apply it to our day-to-day activities.
Bible Reading
Today’s devotional reading is from the Letters of Paul to the Colossians 1:9. Please, read our recent devotional from the Book of Psalm 55:6-8: Where Do You Go For Refuge?
Pray For One Another
Despite Paul not knowing the Colossians on a personal level, he was still delighted to hear about the growth of their Church. Moreover, Paul unceasingly prayed for the people at Colossae. This is a good attitude each one should have.
It is not surprising that we pray for our parents, siblings, friends and loved ones. But have you tried praying for total strangers? Or even praying for your enemies?
If we claim to be Christians, we should have a prayerful attitude. Furthermore, Saint Paul also urges us to appeal, pray, intercede and give thanks for all people (1 Timothy2:1).
Crucial Things To Pray For
Good health, safety, financial assistance. These are often what we pray for others. These are essential things to pray for. The petitions are brought up on the physical needs of a person. However, there are more vital needs than what was mentioned.
We should also pray for our spiritual well beings. Like Paul, let us pray for each other to be filled with the knowledge of God’s will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding. When we know God’s will means that we know the contents of the scriptures and their context. Furthermore, when we pray for spiritual wisdom and understanding these give us the ability to gather and sort the principles of the Word and live it out daily in our lives.
These are not the enlightenment that the new age cults are talking about. Additionally, this makes the Bible not a decoration on our bookshelves but as a living word of God that guides our daily lives.
Reflection
This is the time for your journaling. Reflect on these questions. Ask the Holy Spirit to test your faith and your walk with Christ.
Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? — 2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV
- Challenge: Pray for five people this week that is not part of your social circle. If you can pray with them the better.
- Do you pray every day?
- How often do you pray?
- What do you feel when you pray for others?
- What do you pray for other people?
- Have you prayed for their spiritual needs or physical?
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Prayer
Our Father, holy is your name. Thank you for your Son, Jesus Christ, and his prayers for us. We ask that the Holy Spirit will fill us with the knowledge of your will as we read your Word daily. May you give us wisdom and understanding to live following your will. We pray for the people around us, (mention names and petitions).
O Lord, Jesus, we pray for their hearts to turn to you for saving. Help us to let go of pride and sins that are hindrances in our relationship with you.
We pray all these in the saving name of Jesus. Amen.
