For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Colossians 1:9-11.

Try to know the people you are praying for.

Paul had heard good news about the church in Colosse from Epaphras. I assume that Paul had many questions for Epaphras regarding the those members including some of his friends. One of the things that blessed Paul the most seems to be their ‘love in the Spirit.’ Paul praised them for their faith, love, and fruitfulness.

Note what Paul prayed for: Knowledge, wisdom, spiritual understanding, etc.

We pray for the sick. We pray for God’s protection upon people. It is important for us to not neglect to also pray for those who are not sick, even for those who seem to be doing very well. Even the most ‘spiritual’ people we know need our prayers. Paul knew that these Colossians who were full of faith and love, also had some problems that they may not have even been aware of. He addresses those problems later in the letter. When we pray for others lets add some of the following to our prayers:

• That our friends and family know the will of God.
• That they have wisdom and spiritual understanding. This wisdom leads us to walking worthy of the Lord and to being fruitful.
• That they are increasing in the knowledge of God. We never learn all there is to know about God.
• Paul also prayed that they would be strong in the power of Christ. Christ’s power would give them patience and longsuffering through the adversities they would face in this wicked world. They would be able to do it with joy.

Paul knew that people are transformed from the inside out. Therefore, that is how he prayed. We need wisdom, spiritual understanding, the knowledge of God, and the power of God. -- For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. 2 Corinthians 4:16. -- And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: Colossians 3:10.

• As we pray others to grow in wisdom and knowledge let’s check ourselves.
• Are you being renewed day by day?
• Are you spending enough time in the Word of God and in prayer?
• As you pray for others God may lead you to encourage one or more with a note, text, or phone call.



Ron Cox – HOPE Ministry