What Paul Prayed For

'...we have not stopped praying for you...' Colossians 1:9 NIV

Good Morning,
Ever wonder about prayer? In life we move from season to season and so goes our prayer life if we don't stay connected. The word tells us to pray for one another. Paul tells the Colossians in Colossians 1:9 that he loved them so much he would "not stop praying for them". Sunday I shared a message on how to stay connected in love. Prayer is one way. For Paul when it came to those he loved he prayed: (1) That they would understand the will of God. 'Asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.' Rome was not an easy place to be a Christian, yet Paul wrote: 'Everyone has heard about your obedience...' (Romans 16:19 NIV) Obedience to God's will should be your number one priority. When your name is mentioned, no one should have any doubt as to the level of your commitment to Jesus. (2) That their lives would be pleasing to God. 'That you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way...' (Colossians 1:10 NIV) When you stand before God to be rewarded you won't hear the words 'well said' or 'well planned' but, 'Well done, good and faithful servant...' (Matthew 25:21 NKJV) (3) That they would prosper in the work God had given them. '...bearing fruit in every good work...' (Colossians 1:10 NIV) Nothing brings joy to the heart of a parent like seeing their child succeed. And God feels the same way about you. (4) That they would persevere by drawing on His strength. 'Being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have great endurance...' (Colossians 1:11 NIV) Like a light bulb, you depend on power from another source. So unless you stay connected to God you'll be spiritually weak. (5) That they would praise God. 'Giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints...' (Colossians 1:12 NIV) In other words, live with an attitude of gratitude, a heart of praise, and one who always prays.