We are so grateful that you have shared this powerful passage from Colossians with us. It is only by the name of Jesus Christ that we have access to God. There is no other name by which we can be saved. We are saved by God's grace which is a gift that is received through faith in Jesus Christ. "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast." Ephesians 2:8-9 WEB
In Colossians 1:9-12, the Apostle Paul shares his prayer for the believers in Colossae, and this prayer is just as relevant for us today.
Let's break this powerful passage down before we pray it back to God.
Paul prays for the believers to be "filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding". Knowing God's will comes from a deep relationship with Him, spending time in His Word, and being sensitive to the Holy Spirit's guidance. This knowledge is not merely intellectual but is spiritual wisdom that transforms our hearts and minds.
Paul then prays that this knowledge will result in a walk that is "worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects". True knowledge of God's will always leads to a life that honors Him. This includes a life of holiness, obedience, and love for others.
Such a walk will bear "fruit in every good work" and lead to a deeper knowledge of God. It is a beautiful cycle: knowing God more intimately leads to a life that pleases Him, which in turn deepens our knowledge of Him.
Paul also prays for strength, "strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all perseverance and patience". This strength is not our own but comes from God's glorious might. It enables us to persevere in our faith and to wait patiently for God's promises to be fulfilled.
Finally, Paul encourages "joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light". Gratitude should be a hallmark of our faith. We have been qualified by God Himself to share in the inheritance of the saints. This is a wonderful truth that deserves a lot of praise.
Now, let's pray this back to God:
Dear Heavenly Father,
We come before You, thanking You for qualifying us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. We ask that You fill us with the knowledge of Your will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding. Help us to walk in a manner worthy of You, Lord, pleasing You in all respects. May our lives bear fruit in every good work, and may we increase in the knowledge of You.
Strengthen us with all power, according to Your glorious might, so that we may attain all perseverance and patience. Help us to joyously give thanks to You, Father, in all circumstances.
We pray this, claiming the promises in Your Word, and we ask all of this in the precious name of Jesus Christ. Amen.