Prayer's of Paul reading plan: Day 7

As a church family at Bethel Baptist church in Brookings, SD we are spending the next two weeks reading through most of the prayers of Paul.  Each day I will share my thoughts and reflections on here the day after the reading.  The encouragement was that we would read the assigned passages, write down some observations about what we read, and use those prayers to help us in our prayers that day.  Sunday's readings were Colossians 4:2-4, Colossians 1:9-13.

Colossians 4:2-4

"Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.  At the same time pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison- that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak."  

       After Paul gives the command and admonishment for the believer to pray steadfastly and to be watchful in prayer with thanksgiving he asks that they would pray for him.  As is typical when Paul asks other to pray for him the primary request is that they he would be bold and clear in proclaiming the Gospel.  Paul here seems to be primarily focused on being given opportunities to proclaim the mystery of Christ, and when given the opportunity that his words would be clear and that he would speak as he ought to speak.  A prayer that we should all be praying for ourselves and for our brothers and sisters in Christ.  Are you praying for opportunities for you and others to tell people about Jesus? Are you praying for you and others that when those opportunities arise that Jesus would be shared clearly as we ought to speak?  Spend some time praying for that right now.  

Colossians 1:9-13

"And so, from that 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.  May you be strengthen according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, 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 believed Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."  

       This is another prayer that is packed full.  I am going to simply list out what Paul prays for in this passage and would encourage you to pray for each of these things for those that God brings to mind, and along with Paul we will finish with praising God for what He has done.  

       -He prays that they would be filled with the knowledge of God's will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding.  Notice the result of knowing God's will-  They will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, they will be fully pleasing to God, and will be bearing fruit in every good work!  WOW!  All of that is the result of being filled with he knowledge of God's will!  Let's be praying for that for one another!  

       -He prays that they would be strengthened.  

       -He prays that they would have endurance. 

       -He prays that they would have patience with joy.  What a great (and rare) combination. Be joyful in waiting patiently.  

       -He prays that they would be giving thanks, and finishes the prayer by giving thanks and praise to God for two things. 

               1.)  That we get to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.  

               2.)  That we have been delivered from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the 

               kingdom of his beloved son in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins!   Praise 

               God indeed for this great truth!  

Many things to pray about and for in this passage.  

So what are you learning?  What are you praying for?