by Daniel L. Sonnenberg

We can take a tip from our brother in the faith, the Apostle Paul, on this! First, read through his prayer for the believers in the city of Colosse.

“9 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, 10 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; 11 being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. 13 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”

Colossians 1:9-14

How to pray for other believers (v 9)

1) Pray regularly – “we have not ceased to pray for you;”

2) Pray for knowledge of God’s will in their lives – “that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding.”

The purpose of praying for others – to promote godly living (vv 10-14)

1) That they might live to please God – “so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him:” by…

• Spreading the gospel through their words and deeds – “bearing fruit in every good work;”
• Continuing to grow in their faith – “and increasing the in the knowledge of God;”
• Depending on God for strength – ” being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might;”

2) That they might have endurance, patience and joy – “for all endurance and patience with joy;”

3) That they might give thanks to God for his many blessings – “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.”

It’s amazing that when we simply pray regularly for our brothers and sisters to know God’s will for their lives, He will show them by means of his Word and Spirit how to live godly lives that spread the gospel, grow in faith, depend on God’s strength, manifest endurance, patience and joy and give thanks to God for all He has done.

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