What We Should Pray For

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Read Colossians 1:9-12 this morning and consider this:

This passage teaches us a ton about what we should be praying for with regards to one another. And the beauty of prayer is that it is quarantine proof, circumstance proof. No matter where we find ourselves, or what our situation may be, we can pray, and especially for one another.

Look at what Paul prays for with regards to fellow believers in v. 9: knowledge of His will, spiritual wisdom and understanding. That sounds like a prayer that God certainly would want to answer. And it sounds a lot differently than my prayers often times.

What we see here is that we pray, not in order to escape life, but in order to be better able to meet life. We pray, not in order to withdraw ourselves from life, but in order to live life in the world of men as it ought to be lived.

We see this here. Why does Paul pray this way and for this? Look at verse 10. So that believers will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, to bear fruit in every good work, and increase in knowledge of God, strengthened with all power, ultimately so that believers will be steadfast, patient, joyously giving thanks to the Father.

I think we would all agree these are qualities that we could all use and benefit from in these times we face today. And the reality is that in the gospel, thru the power of the Holy Spirit and God's Word richly dwelling in us, these are there for the taking. In the gospel, God has provided everything we need for life and godliness, see 2 Peter 1:3-9. They are there, but we must be diligent to pursue and want them. To add them to our faith as Peter says. Mature. Grow up. Not only for ourselves but for each other, for the good of the body and the glory of God and the advancement of the gospel. We see this in 2 Peter 1:8-9 - he who lacks these is unfruitful and useless. Immaturity has its effects and consequences on not only us as individuals but corporately as well. And again, all of this rooted in what God has done for us in the gospel.

Thru faith in the gospel, we we have been qualified to share in this inheritance. We are complete in Him thru the power of the gospel. Born again. Adopted. Transferred to a new family and kingdom. Grow in this. Live in this. Take hold by faith of this new position and existence and live it out by faith. In the power of the gospel. Thru the Word, understand what God desires and offers us, and grow in this. Be diligent to grow in this. Mature. Even now. And be diligent to pray for this for each other.

You are complete in Christ. Live this out by faith. Grow in this. Individually and corporately. All to the glory of God and the advancement of the gospel.