Wednesday, 18 July 2018
“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 thanksto the Father, who has qualified youto 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.”
Pray for your friends like this!
Paul knew that the Colossians would not be able to live this way in their own strength. So he prayed that God would strengthen them with his strength, so that their spiritual growth would last a long time.
He prayed for joy in their hearts as they thanked God for his grace in their lives. We sometimes think that the important things to focus on in life are “steadfastness and patience”, which Paul prays for, but that experiencing joy is optional and just if you’re lucky. But Paul is concerned that the Colossians experience joy in their relationship with God.
To God it is perfectly legitimate to pray for his joy in people’s lives. Pray that they’re filled to overflowing.
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