The apostle Paul communicates his prayer for the Colossian church in chapter 1 verses 9-12. This prayer benefits 1st and 21st century Christians and should serve as a roadmap for individual and church growth.
[Col 1:9-12 NKJV] “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; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing [Him], being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light.”
The elements of his prayer were beneficial to the church at Colosse and to our actions and activity as the church today. Paul prayed that they would do and have five things: (1) be filled with knowledge, (2) walk worthy of the Lord, (3) be fruitful in good works, (4) strengthened by God, and (5) be thankful.
As we talk about how to strengthen and grow the church today, it may be wise to refer to the elements of Paul’s prayer to define our actions and activities.
We should be increasing in our knowledge of God through reading and study of His word. We should be striving daily to walk in a manner worthy of God and Christ’s sacrifice. We should be seeking, participating and supporting good works. We should be relying on God’s strength and power and not our own efforts or abilities. We should always be thankful to God for what He has done and what he has given us.
We need to continue to find ways to support each other to grow our knowledge, righteous walk, good works, reliance, and thanksgiving to God. May God help us each day to improve in these things that Paul prayed for them and for us.
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