Praying for One Another

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Colossians 1:1-12 – Paul starts out by talking about people, himself, Timothy. Paul refers to himself as an Apostle, called and appointed by God. Timothy had a Jewish mother and a Greek father, Paul viewed him as a “son in the faith.”

Colossians is addressed to the “saints.” This is a position then, separated to God and separated from sin. It also refers to the kind of life a person who is a saint lives.

The Prayer for Their Full Knowledge of Christ

Paul’s writing can go on and on and on for a long time. It can be a bit difficult and complex to unravel. In this prayer, Paul focuses on two things. A prayer of thanksgiving and a prayer of petition.

• Paul gives thanks for his readers by praying for them.
• Paul gives thanks because he heard about their faith and love.
• Paul gives thanks for the process and universality of the gospel.

A few questions we can ask.

• What is the relationship between faith in Christ and loving others?
• Should we be concerned if we are frustrated and angry with other believers? What is the meaning of our frustration? What would need to happen in my heart so that I would have the kind of love for my brother that Christ did?

It is helpful, perhaps not necessary, but it is helpful for God’s people to “get out” some. It can help you realize that people worship God differently in other places, and that is ok. The Gospel goes out into all the world, even as it is working in us.

Paul has been praying that they would be filled with the knowledge of God’s will. Insight into the true nature of things, the actual reality of a teaching or situation.

Paul has also been praying that they would please God by walking worthily with Him.

1. Paul is praying that they would be bearing fruit.
2. Paul is praying that they would increase in knowledge of God.
3. Paul is praying that they would be empowered, that they would be strengthened. God is the source of the believers power and strength. The goal of this store thing in is patience and long-suffering.
4. Paul is praying that they would give thanks to the Father.

These are all things that are active, they are an ongoing part of walking with Christ and being submerged in the Word of God.

How to Pray for Other Believers

1. Be thankful for their faith and changed lives.
2. Ask God to help them know His will.
3. Ask God to give them spiritual wisdom and understanding.
4. Ask God to help them live to honor and please Him.
5. Ask God to give them more knowledge of Himself.
6. Ask God to give them strength for endurance and patience.
7. Ask God to fill them with joy and thankfulness.