“MY PRAYER FOR YOU” Colossians 1:9-14

The Discipline of Praying the Prayers of the Bible These prayers put us in touch with the God who really is. (Exodus 3:13-15) These prayers help us learn what to pray about – what to ask for. These prayers help protect us from asking “amiss.” (James 4:3)

WHAT WE ARE TO ASK FOR – THE RIGHT THINGS! (Colossians 1:9) “That you may be filled with the knowledge of His will.” Through “all spiritual wisdom” (Greek – “sofia”) “And understanding” (Greek – “sunesis”) Taking the unchanging principles of God’s Word and relating them to the constantly changing questions and issues of life.

WHY SHOULD WE ASK FOR THE RIGHT THINGS? (Colossians 1:10) “That you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord” “To please Him in all respects.”

HOW DO WE RECOGNIZE A LIFE THAT IS PLEASING TO HIM HOW DO WE RECOGNIZE A LIFE THAT IS PLEASING TO HIM? (Colossians 1:10-14) “Bearing fruit in every good work” - people won to Christ (Romans 7:4) - other Christians strengthened (Romans 1:12) - a life of greater trust in Christ (Philippians 1:11) - victory over sin or a bad habit (Ephesians 5:9) - a life of joyful praise to the Lord (Hebrews 13:15) - the character of Christ in us (Galatians 5:22. 23)

HOW DO WE RECOGNIZE A LIFE THAT IS PLEASING TO HIM HOW DO WE RECOGNIZE A LIFE THAT IS PLEASING TO HIM? (Colossians 1:11-14) 2. “Strengthened with all power according to His glorious might” - “for the attaining of all steadfastness” – Greek – “hupomonan” - to remain under, enduring THINGS as hindrances, persecution, and temptation. - “and patience” – Greek – “makrothumian” – longsuffering, enduring difficult PEOPLE.

HOW DO WE RECOGNIZE A LIFE THAT IS PLEASING TO HIM HOW DO WE RECOGNIZE A LIFE THAT IS PLEASING TO HIM? (Colossians 1:10-14) “Joyously giving thanks to the Father.” And we do this when we remember that God has “qualified” and “delivered” and “transferred” and “redeemed” and “forgiven” us. (v. 13, 14) Note the repeated use of the word “all” which emphasizes this is God’s provision in every situation for all of His people.

UNDERSTANDING THE TRUE NATURE OF PRAYER Prayer is a battle . . . - on the physical front, the mental front, and on the spiritual front. So Paul speaks of “striving” (Romans 15:30), the writer of Hebrews (5:7) speaks of Jesus’ praying “with loud cries and tears,” and again Paul speaks of “standing firm” and “keeping alert” and “persevering.” (Ephesians 6:10-20) And there is the example of Pastor Epaphras (Colossians 4:12) – Greek – “agonidzo” = “always laboring earnestly for you in his prayers, that yo may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God.”

A “word cloud” of an NFL coach

A “word cloud” of an “average” pray-er.

UNDERSTANDING THE TRUE NATURE OF PRAYER And there is the example of Pastor Epaphras (Colossians 4:12) – Greek – “agonidzo” = “always laboring earnestly for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God.”