Paul’s Prayer For You (Part 1) – Colossians 1.9-11

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 being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; (Colossians 1.9-11)[1]

      In these verses Paul is encouraging the church by letting them know how much he prays for them, “we have not ceased to pray for you” (vs. 9). Paul, Timothy and others have been earnestly praying for the people in Colossus, to be filled with the knowledge of God’s will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding (vs. 9, James 1.5-6). Paul wants the church and us to know God, not on just a superficial level but an intimate level, a deep personal level. We are to have a spiritual connection with our Heavenly Father, which can only be accomplished through prayer and reading His Word. Yes, we need to fellowship with other believers and spend time together in God’s Word, through Bible Studies and so forth, but if we are not doing this on our own, then we are failing as God’s children.
      Paul is also praying that we will walk in a manner which is worthy of the Lord and fully pleasing to God. What is he asking for? Our lives should be such, that when people see us, they can see Christ in and around us. In other words, they really do not see us but Jesus Christ in all we do. As Paul said in Galatians, “I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2.20, CSB).[2] This is the kind of life we must live in the world, so they can see Christ in all we do.
      When we do, then we will “bear much fruit for Christ” (vs. 10). Our lives are in Christ and He is in us, therefore, we will bear fruit. Not because of who we are but because of Who Christ is. Our lives are just the reflections of Jesus Christ, and as such we need to shine brightly so we can produce as much fruit as possible for Him, for His glory. As we are bearing fruit we will also increase in our love and knowledge of who God is and all He wants us to do. Why? Because we are serving Him and with more service comes more responsibility, and more knowledge.
      We might say, “I cannot do this.” “I won’t know what to say.” “I do not have the power to handle all that will come my way.” And we would be right with each one of these statements, however, it is not by our power or might that we are to do these things. Paul’s says, “being strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy,” (vs. 11). Notice it is not our power or might, but God’s power, and might to help us with all endurance. To get us through all the things He has asked us to do, how, with joy and patience. So, no matter what God has called us to do, we are to do it with joy, by His power, growing in His knowledge and understanding and walking in a manner which will show the world we are God’s children and He is Lord of our lives.
 
 Application

1. Have you asked God for wisdom and knowledge? His Word says He will give to all who ask (James 1.5-6). Ask God today for His wisdom and knowledge.
2. Are you trying to do things on your own? Stop now for a moment and think of the last week, what things did you let God help you with and what things did you try by yourself? Ask God to be in control of all your life walking in a manner worthy of Him, pleasing Him.
3. By whose power are you trying to succeed? When you know God has asked you to do something, whose power are you using to get it done? Stop now, and evaluate what you are doing and ask God to provide His power and remove your power.

 
Prayer

      Lord of Armies, Mighty God of the Universe I thank You for walking with me today, Lord I am asking You for Your wisdom and understanding to do and say the things I need to for You. Lord, help me to walk in a manner worthy of You. To abide in You and to be pleasing to You each day. Lord, I want to have a more personal relationship with You, help me to do this by spending time in prayer and reading Your Word. By spending time with Your saints, and by spreading Your gospel message to those who do not know You. Lord I thank You for the opportunity to serve You and ask for many more in the days to come. In Jesus Christ’s Name I Pray Amen.

[1] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Col 1:9–11). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.
[2] Christian Standard Bible. (2020). (Ga 2:20). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.