Read | Colossians 1:9-14
If someone should ask the question, “How can I pray for you?” would you be able to give a clear answer? Oftentimes we simply do not know what to say. The same thing can happen when we ask that question of friends—frequently we get only a vague answer. Learning to pray for one another does not come naturally; we must be taught.
That is why the Bible includes many patterns for effective prayer. One is found in Paul’s epistle to the saints at Colossae. He prayed that they would be “filled with the knowledge of [God’s] will” (Col. 1:9). The fact that the apostle prayed this means we can come to know what God is doing in our lives. When we understand His will, that knowledge is both satisfying and precious.
Paul’s prayer also included additional requests on behalf of the Colossians. He asked the Lord to bless them with an understanding of what is right. What’s more, he prayed they would walk in a manner worthy of Christ and be strengthened with all power (vv. 10-11). Often, when that happens in the life of a believer, onlookers are attracted by what they see. Some may even come to recognize the Lord at work as a Christian displays the Father’s power to forgive sins and walks before Him in holiness.
These are the specific requests you should make when praying for others. In fact, you would be wise to ask the same things for yourself. And you can count on this powerful prayer being answered, because it is in accordance with the will of God.
