Recently we studied Colossians 1:9. Since then I’ve been challenged with the urgency for earnest prayer for 1) the knowledge of God’s will, 2) spiritual wisdom and 3) spiritual understanding.
9 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,
The fact that Paul prayed for these things for the Colossian believers is a reminder that spiritual growth comes in answer to prayer. It’s easy to think that we need to read more about the spiritual life, or hear more preaching about the spiritual life, and I’m not discrediting the importance of those things. But earnest prayer for these things tends to be the last thing we think we need to do. I suggest it is the first thing we should do. Pray for the increase of the knowledge of God and His will and spiritual understanding in your life–and then read God’s Word, then absorb God’s Word through the hearing of the Word. But don’t stop there. Pray also that these will flourish in the lives of those around you.
Why is this so important? The answer is in verse 10.
10 so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.
To my family and brothers and sisters in Christ at Higgins Lake Baptist Church and elsewhere–I’m praying for you.