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; being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
– Colossians 1:9-14 English Standard Version1
As Paul moves on from the greeting of the letter, he offers prayer for the believers in Colossae. The simple act of doing this further demonstrates the deep love Paul has for the Church. Regardless of what else he has to say, he will pray for them. There are other passages where we observe Paul praying for believers. This one is especially rich. Without trying to comment on every facet of this beautiful gem, we can at least catch the highlights.
The beginning of the prayer reminds us of the request Solomon made when faced with being king. God invited Solomon to ask whatever he wanted from the Lord (1 Kings 3:5). Remembering the Lord’s faithfulness toward his father, David, Solomon asked for an “understanding heart to judge Your people to discern between good and evil” (1 Kings 3:9). Paul’s petition for the Church is of the same type. What better place to start than to ask for God to make known His will?
Understanding then enables obedience. Paul’s desire is to see the believers walk in a worthy manner and bear fruit for the Lord. Jesus touched on this in his criticism of the Jewish leaders, indicating that they were blind guides to blind people who would all end up in the pit (Matthew 15:14; Luke 6:39). Clarity about God’s will puts us in the current of where He is at work. As I have heard more than once, as Christians we would do well to stop asking God to bless what we are doing, and start asking God to lead us into doing what He is blessing.
Paul’s prayer goes on to touch on the blessing we experience through our faithfulness. “Endurance, patience, joy, giving thanks….” It sounds a bit like Paul’s description of the fruit of the Spirit found in Galatians 5:22-23. Following Jesus is not easy, but it is the most blessed life one can experience. Paul knows that the brothers and sisters in Colossae (and everywhere else) will receive blessing on blessing when they submit themselves to faithful following of the Lord.
Of course, it is difficult for Paul to pray without coming around to the accomplished work of Christ, our ultimate reason for thanksgiving. Paul’s language in v. 12-13 resonates with 1 Peter 2:9, where Peter reminds us that we have been “called out of darkness into his marvelous light.” What Jesus has done for the Church is glorious and worthy of praise. In him we have forgiveness, new life, and new purpose.
Go back to the beginning and read this passage again. Imagine this prayer being offered for you. Paul may not have had you specifically in mind, but if he knew of you, he would have prayed this for you. Would you receive this prayer, in Jesus’ name?
- “Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.”
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The Winding Path 