Intercession
Scripture:
“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, 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.” — Colossians 1:9-10
Observation:I love Paul’s prayer on behalf of the Colossians. When I intercede on behalf of others, I usually pray for specific things such as healing, job employment or other struggles. Not bad things by any stretch, but more along the lines of asking for problems to be resolved; and when they are, my prayers for the person and issue cease.
Application:
Paul is giving a great example of how to pray for fellow believers.
- He has a burden and passion to pray for them. It doesn’t seem to be a duty to lift them up but a joy and honor to join with them in praising God through prayer.
- He prays for spiritual wisdom and knowledge – the one thing that Solomon asked for that pleased God. Paul could’ve prayed for several things on their behalf but he included this prayer in his letter to encourage them and to remind them that they need wisdom and understanding so that…
- Their walk will please God and bear fruit. In other words, use the good things of God to build up his kingdom.
He has, after all (v. 13 &14), delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son in whom we have redemption and forgiveness of sins.
Prayer:
May I pray more worthy prayers from my fellow believers.
— Jared Yates, college & single adult pastor, Reservoir campus