READING: Colossians 1-4, Philemon 1
TEXTS AND APPLICATION: Prayer matters. We know that, though we don’t always live that way. Our prayer is often routine, ritualistic, and relation-less. I am reminded in today’s reading, though, that my prayer matters, particularly to those for whom I pray.
I’m privileged to pour my life into several young men who want to serve the Lord. I do pray for them, but not always with the passion and focus of some of the prayers found in today’s reading.
For this reason also, since the day we heard this, we [Paul and others] haven’t stopped praying for you [the Colossians]. We are asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding, so that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him, bearing fruit in every good work and growing in the knowledge of God. May you be strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for all endurance and patience, with joy giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled you to share in the saints’ inheritance in the light. (Col. 1:9-12)
He [Epaphras] is always contending for you in his prayers, so that you can stand mature and fully assured in everything God wills. (Col. 4:12)
I pray that your participation in the faith may become effective through knowing every good thing that is in us for the glory of Christ. (Philemon 1:6)
Look closely at these prayers, and you see the heart of prayer warriors. They “contend” for others; that is, they struggle and wrestle on behalf of others. They go to war against the enemy so that those for whom they're praying:
- may be filled with the knowledge of God’s will
- may walk worthy of the Lord
- may bear fruit in good works
- may know God’s strength
- may be mature in faith
- may know the goodness of God
ACTION STEPS: Choose 3-5 people, and pray these prayers for them today. From your knees, battle the enemy on their behalf.
PRAYER: “God, I praise You for Your Word that so helps us follow You. Teach me today to intercede well for others.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Ephesians 1-6