A Life-Changing Prayer
Many Christians today experience a common disconnect where they accumulate vast amounts of information about the Bible but struggle to apply that knowledge to their daily decisions and relationships. This failure to integrate Scripture means their knowledge does not affect how they live. Paul’s prayer for the Colossians (Colossians 1:9-14) offers a timeless model for believers seeking practical spiritual growth and wisdom.
The history of the Church has been repeatedly “dyed in golden hues” by the power of intercessory prayer. Interceding simply means praying for someone else.
The Practice of Intercessory Prayer
Intercessory prayer is not exclusively for “super Christians” or those called to a specific prayer ministry; all believers are intercessors. Jesus Christ serves as the ultimate intercessor, praying for us. Following His example, believers are instructed to offer supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving for others.
The Bible outlines specific categories for intercessory prayers, including requests for:
- Those in authority.
- Friends, fellow countrymen, and the city of Jerusalem.
- The sick.
- Enemies, including those who persecute and forsake us.
- All people.
Ceaseless and Persistent Prayer
Paul’s prayers for the Colossians were tireless and ceaseless. By the time he wrote the Colossian letter, he had possibly been praying for that church for nearly 10 years. Believers are taught to pray without ceasing, meaning they should never become discouraged and never quit.
It is easy to abandon prayer if immediate results are not seen, or if one’s personal agenda is not quickly fulfilled. However, history shows that God answers prayer in His time. John Wesley advised believers to “Storm the throne of grace and persevere there, and mercy will come down”.
Victories through Intercession
The historical record confirms the transformative power of intervening prayer:
- Raymond Edmund: A young missionary in Ecuador was desperately ill. His friend, Dr. Joseph Evans, interrupted a prayer meeting thousands of miles away, insisting, “I feel we must pray for Raymond Edmund in Ecuador”. The group prayed earnestly until Evans proclaimed the victory was won. Edmund recovered, went on to become president of Wheaton College, and personally mentored hundreds of students, including Billy Graham.
- James Fraser: In 1908, this missionary to the Lisu people in China found the remote, mountainous region made gathering for church nearly impossible in winter. Instead of fretting over the obstacle, he committed to interceding for the Highland believers during the snowy months. When spring arrived, he discovered the converts were thriving, strengthened more by their personal Bible study and prayer than when he had visited them before. Today, more than 400,000 Lisu are Christians.
Paul’s Central Petitions: Knowledge, Wisdom, and Understanding
The heart of Paul’s intercession is found in Colossians 1:9, where he begged God to fill the believers with the knowledge of God’s will.
He specifically prayed that this knowledge be given in all wisdom and spiritual understanding. This was particularly relevant because the Colossians were facing serious challenges from false Gnostic teachings that threatened to lead them astray with incorrect ideas about God. Paul sought to replace these dangers with true knowledge of Christ.
Paul understood that knowledge alone wasn’t enough. We must pray that God will equip the loved one we pray for with the presence of God so that they will know what to do.
- Knowledge means knowing the Scripture.
- Wisdom is defined as doing the right thing without a precedent. Because we live in unprecedented times where new things are constantly happening, this wisdom is needed now more than ever.
Instead of just worrying or offering advice when a loved one is struggling, believers can follow Paul’s model and pray: “Lord, fill them with knowledge of Your will and all wisdom and spiritual understanding“.