In Colossians 1, we get a glimpse into the prayer life of an apostle- namely, the apostle Paul. He’s writing to the church in Colossae and goes into great detail about the prayers he has prayed for them. What has the Holy Spirit laid upon his heart for these believers? It is an interesting account!
“And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord…” Colossians 1:9-10a
Who are they?
According to the beginning of the chapter, this church is full of saints who have accepted the gospel and have shown an outpouring of love for their brothers and sisters in Christ (verses 3-8). Not only does Paul note their hope in the gospel and the fruit which it is producing among them, but he also states that, “their love in the Spirit,” has been made known to him through a faithful minister of Christ, Epaphras.
When did he begin to pray for them?
“And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you…” Colossians 1:9 (ESV).
It started the day that he received the good report from Epaphras! The apostle Paul (and one can assume Timothy) begin praying right away- and did not cease to pray for them! It was not a one and done prayer, it was a continual prayer they offered before the Lord. They were faithful to pray for these new believers!
Fervor for the faithful.
I find it interesting that Paul is praying with such fervor for believers who, by all accounts, are doing well in the faith. There wasn’t a bad report from Epaphras. It was an overwhelmingly positive one! And yet, the apostle is letting them know that he is praying for them without ceasing. The cultural climate at the time, along with various heresies, no doubt played a role in his concern for them. This is such a good reminder and example to incorporate into the Christian prayer closet! There is a tendency to consider those exhibiting works of the Holy Spirit in their lives as not being in need of as much prayer. Here, we see the opposite taking place. These new believers are on their hearts!
What was he asking the Lord?
“…asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding…” Colossians 1:9 (ESV).
He was asking that they would be filled with the full knowledge of God’s will. How and in what way? In all spiritual wisdom and understanding. The full knowledge of God’s will is found within all wisdom and understanding. This is not a worldly wisdom or vague spiritual viewpoint. It is specific wisdom! It is specific spiritual understanding! This is wisdom and understanding that comes through, is inspired by, and is received from the Holy Spirit. As the apostle John later warns, we are to test the spirits (1 John 4:1). Here is a warning for the believer: there is a “spiritual understanding” that is false, not connected to Christ (who is the head of the Body, Colossians 1:18, 2:19). We are to run from that worldly wisdom (Colossians 2:8).
Why did he want them to have wisdom and spiritual understanding?
“…so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him…” Colossians 1:10a (ESV).
The word used here for worthy is άξιος in the Greek. It means exactly what we see in the translation: worthily. When we believe upon Jesus for our salvation, there is a change in our hearts through the Holy Spirit. The new life we receive from God affects the way we walk!
“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20 (ESV).
When we receive the Holy Spirit and begin to grow in the wisdom of God and true understanding, we are able to discern more clearly the will of the Father! When we walk according to God’s will, we can seek to walk worthy of the Lord. Of course, we will do this imperfectly, but as we seek to be worthy of the Lord, we can be assured at that it is His righteousness that ultimately makes us worthy. It’s important to pursue righteousness because we are children of God! But also to remember grace in our pursuit, not as a license to sin (Jude 1:4), but as a foundation to get back up and press on!
In my own struggles, I find it comforting to think that any desire I have to grow in Christ is inspired by Christ drawing me into relationship with him (Hebrews 12:2). My job is to listen to his voice and cooperate with his work (even if that means dusting myself off from failures and allowing his strength and his grace to help me try again!).
The apostle wants the believers to have true wisdom and understanding, so they can know the will of God, and walk according to his will. This is the basis of his prayers for them! It was important for the ancient believer and it’s important today. We know from scripture that the apostle Paul desired that the churches would follow after his example, as he followed after Christ. I read the beginning of his prayer for them, and I think of those in my own life who need this asked on their behalf (myself included).
There is so much that the apostle Paul goes on to say about his prayers for this church! For now, this seems like a natural place to pause and contemplate before going on.
Questions
- What is the difference between worldly wisdom and Godly wisdom?
- Why do you think we can better discern God’s will as we grow in, “all wisdom and spiritual understanding?”
- Are there any new (or seasoned) believers in your life that God has called you to pray for in a similar way?
Join me next post for a deeper dive into the rest of the Apostle Paul’s prayer for the church at Colossae!
