Pray Without Ceasing - Colossians 1:9-10 (Part 2)
Reading Plan: We Colossians 1:9-10 - Zoom In, Zoom Out, Now What?
Devotional: 2 of 3
“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;” Colossians 1:9-10 ESV
Zoom In
Why is Paul’s heart so stirred to pray without ceasing? I would argue it is because of gratitude! Despite imprisonment (Colossians 4:3), his heart is full of joy and thanksgiving for the saints in Colossae, a church that he likely never visited but certainly wanted to (Philemon 1:22). Paul’s care for the Colossian church is on full display when he writes, “for I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you... and for all who have not seen me face to face” (Colossians 2:1). Paul echoes a similar message of thanksgiving and prayer in Ephesians 1:16 when he writes, “I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.” He desperately wants both churches to be encouraged, know how much they are loved, and reach a full understanding of God’s love for them through Christ Jesus.
Zoom Out
The community of believers in Colossae likely came out of religious practices that included worshiping many deities and cults. These new followers of Jesus were likely at risk of falling back into false teaching that argued that faith in Jesus was simply an add-on to other spiritual practices. In his prayer, Paul is warning the church that salvation can’t be obtained through philosophy, knowledge, or good works. Paul prayed that the saints at Colossae would be “filled with knowledge.” Not just head knowledge, though, but knowledge of God’s will for their individual and collective lives - knowledge that would transform their heart from the inside out.
Now What?
So today, take the challenge to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) for those God brings to your mind. As you pray, let your heart and mind be filled with thanksgiving and gratitude for God’s people. Pray that they will be filled with knowledge, wisdom, and insight into God’s will. Pray that they will live in a way that reflects, pleases and glorifies God! The Bible says that “if anyone is a worshiper of God and does his will, God listens to him.” (John 9:31) Proverbs 15:29 provides a similar message; “but he (God) hears the prayer of the righteous.” Like Paul’s prayer for the saints at Colossae, God calls us to intercede in prayer on behalf of others.
About the Author
Nathan Miller
You may know me as a husband, father, son, brother, friend, mentor, ultra marathoner runner, NBA basketball enthusiast, fan of all things tech, music lover and writer. However, the life blood that flows through everything that I strive to be comes from a desire for greater intimacy with Jesus Christ. He is my Savior, my Provider, my Lord and most of all my best friend.