A Prayer That God Answers

A Prayer That God Answers

Colossians 1:9-12 (NASB)

9 “For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,

10 so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;

11 strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously

12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light.”

     We don’t always know exactly how to intercede for others, or even for ourselves. In Colossians, we find Paul’s prayer for the believers in that church. What’s interesting is the absence of many of the requests we normally make while talking with the Lord—for health, financial needs, or deliverance from difficult situations. Paul’s prayer is focused on the believers’ spiritual needs, and it’s a pattern we can all follow as we pray for others and ourselves.

    Too often we are impatient in prayer and want God to respond at the speed of modern technology. In contrast, Paul wasn’t burdened by a quest for immediate answers and never gave up speaking to the Lord about the Colossians. He was confident that God would hear, and he also knew that spiritual growth is a lifelong process, not a quick fix.

    Paul didn’t settle for a simple appeal of “Lord, bless the Colossian church.” He truly cared about the people there, and he focused on what God desired for them—that they would know the Father’s will, walk worthy of Him, and be strengthened with His power.

   The Lord desires to answer petitions that line up with His will. Of course, we should also talk to our Father about our physical or emotional concerns, but we must not overlook our need for consistent spiritual growth. Through Paul, God has given us an example for an honest prayer that He longs to answer.

    When you don’t know how to pray for others, let this prayer guide your requests. Then be patient, knowing God answers prayers in the best way and with the best timing.