For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. (Colossians 1:9-14 NIV)
How often are your prayers filled with the words all and every? As I examine this prayer I’m reminded that generally my prayers are far too small. It is good to pray for specifics, so that we can see God’s answers and thank Him for them. It is also important to pray big prayers to our big God. Here is my attempt to put Paul’s prayer in my own words.
Gracious and loving Heavenly Father, I ask that you fill our leaders and our entire congregation with the knowledge of who you want us to be and what you want us to do. I pray that this knowledge would be consistent with your will. Please give us both wisdom and understanding through the indwelling presence of your Holy Spirit. Father, I ask that we may live lives worthy of you and that everything we do would be pleasing to you.
Father I pray that we would be producing fruit for your kingdom through the good works that you have created for us to do. I pray that our good works would continually increase our knowledge of you. I pray that we would be working not out of our own strength, but instead out of your mighty power that gives us endurance and patience. As we do this I pray that our lives would be filled with joy and gratitude as we consider the privilege that you have given us to be part of your kingdom.
Thank you, Father, for rescuing us from the rule of darkness that surrounds us and bringing us into the kingdom of Jesus, your beloved Son. You have purchased us out of darkness and hopelessness and brought us into the kingdom of Jesus. You have forgiven our sins and for that we are forever grateful.
In Jesus Name, Amen
Who do you need to be praying for? What would an all and every prayer look like for the people you love and care about?
For my grandchildren:
I pray that you would continue to get to know God better every day.
