Spiritual work is accomplished through spiritual strength. Spiritual strength is the result of a close personal relationship with God, a relationship anchored by our prayers. 

Paul knew how difficult it was for the early believers to live in a culture that did not appreciate or value their faith. The letter to the Colossians is one of the best books in the Bible on how to be faithful in a culture that doesn’t believe biblical truth. Paul began his letter by thanking God for the Christians in Colossae and told them of his constant prayers for them. Paul’s prayers for that ancient city teach us how we can pray for ourselves and other Christians today.

Paul prayed that God’s children would be “filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding.” The early Christians didn’t own copies of God’s word, and seeking God’s will came from meeting together for worship and teaching.  They also relied on the guidance and voice of God through his Holy Spirit. Paul prayed they would be “filled” with everything they would need to walk with God’s wisdom, discernment, and understanding. 

We sometimes take for granted that we have easy access to the Bible and to God’s will. We can search for a topic on our computers and easily find plenty of verses that speak biblical truth to our thoughts and questions. Could it be that our easy access has caused us to rely more on what we choose to read rather than what God wants to speak to us through his Holy Spirit? Prayer is entering into a personal conversation with God himself. We should be careful to include God’s Holy Spirit every time we search for his word and will.

Paul prayed constantly that the Colossians would seek God for their spiritual strength. He knew what was necessary for them “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.” Paul would pray for and encourage Christians today in those same ways.

Wisdom is pleasing God. We cannot grow spiritually without a powerful and personal prayer life. God wants to share his wisdom with his children so they can make choices he is able to guide and bless abundantly. That is the daily, moment-to-moment goal for our prayers. Our prayers are simply the conversations we are privileged to enjoy with our heavenly Father.