“For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy” (Colossians 1:9-11).
Paul the Apostle offered some encouraging words for the members of the Colossian church by revealing the content of his prayers for them in Colossians 1:9-11. Those prayer requests included…
- The knowledge of God’s will.
- Wisdom and spiritual understanding.
- A walk worthy of the Lord.
- Fruitfulness in every good work.
- Strength, perseverance, and patience.
- Joy.
Before we consider these elements in greater depth, we can start by first defining our terms. For instance, the most basic definition of prayer is “communication with God.” Prayer involves the words or thoughts that are specifically directed towards our Creator. Although we frequently associate the act of prayer with a person who stands or kneels with palms together and eyes closed, the Scriptures tell us that prayerful communication with God can take many different forms.
For example, the Bible tells us that some prayed while standing (1 Samuel 1:26) while others were sitting down (1 Kings 19:4). They prayed silently (1 Samuel 1:13) and loudly (Psalms 55:17). They prayed privately (Matthew 6:6) and publicly (Ezra 10:1). Finally, there were some who prayed quickly (Nehemiah 2:4) while others engaged in lengthy prayers (see Jesus’ prayer in John 17:1-8)
Both the Old and New Testaments emphasize the importance of prayer and the benefit of seeking God’s wisdom, insight, and direction…
” …if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding” (Proverbs 2:3-6 NIV).
“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5).
While some regard the act of prayer as a last resort or something to try when all else fails, a person who relies upon God through daily fellowship with Him in prayer is someone who is best prepared to deal with the challenges of daily life.