For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.
—Colossians 1:9 (KJV)
Paul wrote these words to the Christians at Colossae, but he had never been there. Despite his lack of "in-person" knowledge of them, he ministered effectively to them. He prayed specifically for them to better know God and his will. He assured them that they received the complete message of the gospel of Jesus when Epaphras preached it to them (Colossians 1:7, 4:12). What a great idea! Let's find a mission church (inner city, overseas, or planted in a hostile environment) and pray consistently for that congregation, asking God to help them know him, know his will more perfectly, and reassure them of his love for them.
Holy and all-powerful God, bless my church family with a deeper knowledge and appreciation of your nature, character, and grace. In addition, please bless mission churches and those working with them (add your mission church of choice). Bless them with growth, health, assurance, and, most of all, knowledge of you. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
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—Colossians 1:9 (KJV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
Paul wrote these words to the Christians at Colossae, but he had never been there. Despite his lack of "in-person" knowledge of them, he ministered effectively to them. He prayed specifically for them to better know God and his will. He assured them that they received the complete message of the gospel of Jesus when Epaphras preached it to them (Colossians 1:7, 4:12). What a great idea! Let's find a mission church (inner city, overseas, or planted in a hostile environment) and pray consistently for that congregation, asking God to help them know him, know his will more perfectly, and reassure them of his love for them.
My Prayer...
Holy and all-powerful God, bless my church family with a deeper knowledge and appreciation of your nature, character, and grace. In addition, please bless mission churches and those working with them (add your mission church of choice). Bless them with growth, health, assurance, and, most of all, knowledge of you. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
Continue reading...