Praying Like Paul

What would it look like to pray like Paul? Here you go!

[9] And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, [10] so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. [11] May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, [12] giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. [13] He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, [14] in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. (Colossians 1:9-14)

• Paul begins by stating that he never ceases to pray. (v. 9)

• This is a prayer that is focused on the good of the church. (v. 9)

• When Paul prays for them to know God’s will it is probably different than what we first think. Douglas Moo explains, “What Paul has in mind is not some particular or special direction for one’s life (as we often use the phrase “God’s will”), but a deep and abiding understanding of the revelation of Christ and all that he means for the universe (vv.15-20) and for the Colossians (vv. 21-23).” In other words, Paul is praying that these Christians would grow in their appreciation and understanding of the gospel. (v. 9)

• Paul is praying that once their hearts and minds are filled with the knowledge of Jesus that they would be empowered to walk in such a way in daily life that pleases God the Father. (v. 10)

• Paul prays that the Colossians would bear fruit. He does not want them to be learning just for the sake of learning. Paul wants their knowledge of Jesus to change the way they live everyday life. (v. 10)

• Paul prays that they would be strengthened with all power, power found in the gospel. (v.11)

• Paul knows that life is hard which is why he prays that the they would have patience and endurance. Yet Paul does not want them to merely survive life, he wants them to be filled with joy! (v. 11)

• Paul knows that true joy does not come from how well life is going or from our circumstances. Paul prays that they would experience joy that comes from who Christ is and what he has done:
  • Christians have been given an eternal inheritance with the saints. (v. 12)
  • Christians have been delivered from the domain of darkness. (v. 13)
  • Christians have been transferred to the Kingdom of God’s Son, Jesus. (v. 13)
  • Through the cross Christians have been purchased/redeemed from slavery and forgiven all of their sins. (v. 14)

It is a prayer that is immersed in the glorious truths of the gospel and it is focused almost exclusively for the spiritual good of the brothers and sisters that make up the church at Colossae.

Praying this prayer for my New Life family all week long.