The #1 Way to Pray for Others

While reading Colossians 1:9-14 I was struck by the prayer the Apostle Paul prayed for the people of Colosse. He prayed that God would fill the people of Colosse with the knowledge of God's will, through the wisdom and understanding that the Holy Spirit gives (Colossians 1:9). Why did he pray for that in particular? He answers that in the rest of the verse. So that they may live a life worthy of the Lord and please Him in every way. By asking God to fill the people of Colosse with the knowledge of His will, Paul is asking for them to grow in their faith. And how do Christians grow? Through the wisdom and understanding the Holy Spirit gives. Where do we find wisdom and understanding? Through God's Holy Word. As we read it, the Holy Spirit opens our eyes, our ears, and our hearts to its message and we grow in the knowledge of God's will.

What happens when we pray specifically for the knowledge of God's will?

• We learn to live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way.
• We bear fruit in every good work.
• Our knowledge of God grows deeper.
• We become strengthened with God's power.
• We have greater endurance and patience.
• We learn how to joyfully thank our Father and praise Him in every situation.
• He qualifies us to share in the inheritance He offers the Jewish people.
• He rescues us from the dominion of darkness.
• He brings us into the kingdom of His Son.
• He redeems us.
• He forgives us.

The more we read our Bibles, the more we grow in wisdom, and it is the Holy Spirit who grants us the knowledge to grow in God's will. So if you are ever wondering "how" to pray for someone, ask the Lord that they may grow in the knowledge of His will because it is a prayer that covers a lot.