5TH SEPTEMBER

Colossians 1:9-14

“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, 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. May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.”

Your friends need your prayers!

Paul knew that the Colossians would not be able to live this way on their own strength. So he prayed that God would strengthen them with his strength so that their spiritual growth would last a long time.

He prayed for joy in their hearts as they thanked God for his grace in their lives. We sometimes think that the important things to focus on in life are “endurance and patience,” which Paul prays for, but that experiencing joy is optional and just if you’re lucky. But Paul is concerned that the Colossians experience joy in their relationship with God.

To God, it is perfectly legitimate to pray for his joy in people’s lives. Pray that they’re filled to overflowing.  Pray that the joy in your life would be so great that it would naturally overflow into the lives of the people around you.

MAKE IT PERSONAL

When was the last time you felt joyful? Joyful that you are alive, saved and loved? Are you too busy getting things done that you forget to stop and be grateful and joyful?