SEEKING GOD’S WILL THROUGH PRAYER
9 For this reason also, since the day we heard this, we haven’t stopped praying for you. We are asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding,
Colossians 1:9 (CSB)
Prayer is a dialogue between us and God, serving as a two-way communication. It allows us to both speak to the Lord and listen for His response. Paul emphasizes the significance of prayer in understanding and discerning God's will for our lives. Colossians 1:9 reveals the importance of constant prayer in the pursuit and living out of God’s will.
The Gospel and Prayer. Paul begins this section with the phrase, “For this reason,” serving as a transition from his previous discussion. He had just spoken about the Colossians' reception of the gospel and its spread worldwide. Recognizing their faith, Paul mentions that he prays for them constantly, emphasizing the importance of prayer for their faithfulness amidst trials, temptations, and obstacles. His commitment to prayer encourages the church in Colossae to pray too, supporting fellow believers and seeking God's will. This call to prayer from Paul remains relevant today, inspiring us to pray as we support one another and pursue God's guidance.
Pray to Know God’s Will. Pray to gain understanding of His will. Paul wishes for the Colossians to know God's will, which guides us in obedience and fulfilling His calling. He recognizes that learning God’s will requires intentional effort and won't happen by chance. Therefore, Paul prays that the believers would understand God’s will. Prayer for this knowledge involves positioning ourselves to listen to God and allowing Him to shape our will and desires to align with His. When seeking God’s will, we should never tell Him what it is but come as clay, ready to be molded by the Master.
Pray for Discernment. The apostle Paul asked the Lord to grant the Colossians wisdom and spiritual understanding. True wisdom solely comes from the Lord, who is the source of all wisdom. Spiritual understanding develops as we allow the Spirit to guide us in grasping the Lord's will, ways, and Word. When believers consistently seek wisdom and understanding, discernment naturally follows. Discernment is the skill to differentiate between worldly things and God's truth, recognizing what truly originates from the Lord. The wisdom from God and the Spirit's work in enlightening our understanding are essential for truly knowing God’s will. These qualities enable us to distinguish God’s plans for our lives from our own desires, which may not be aligned with His will. Prayer plays a vital role in this process, as we ask God for wisdom and seek His guidance to gain clarity for right discernment.
QUESTIONS
What reasons can you think of for why a response to the Gospel brings the necessity for a life of prayer?
How would you explain wisdom and spiritual understanding as foundational components of discernment?
