Unceasing Prayer

For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding. 

Colossians 1:9 

How shall we pray for each other, especially when it comes to the gaining of knowledge and wisdom? Our text is helpful. Paul has heard good things about the Colossians from his fellow laborer, Epaphras. Epaphras had spoken of their faith in Christ, their love for the saints, and their ‘love in the Spirit.’ This prompted Paul to pray for them. Our text tells us what he prayed on their behalf. Above anything else he prayed that they would ‘be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.’ This would be the inevitable result of the Holy Spirit bringing them to a greater knowledge and understanding of Christ, ‘in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.’ The end result of the work of sanctification is likeness to Christ. This, of necessity, entails a vast increase of wisdom and knowledge as the Holy Spirit renews us completely in His image. Therefore Paul prays wisely for these people who had faith in Christ and love for His people. If he prayed for them thus, we can take notes from him to help us pray more intelligently for one another. Thus we do good to the Body of Christ.   

Our Wise and Gracious God, 
we rejoice that You set examples before us. 
We praise You that we learn from them 
how to minister to one another. 

Tomm Tice
Where the Bush is Burning