Readings for today: Jeremiah 2:31-4:18, Colossians 1:1-17, Psalms 76, Proverbs 24:21-22
If God were to answer all your prayers today, how many people would be impacted? How many communities would be restored? How many lost people would be saved? How many loved ones would find comfort? How many churches would be revived? These are sobering questions to ponder because the tendency in prayer is focus solely on ourselves. The temptation is to navel-gaze and come to God over and over again with our lists of wants and needs and desires. It takes great discipline to pray faithfully and regularly for others. Family. Friends. Co-workers. Brothers and sisters in Christ. Even our enemies. That’s why I love these words from Colossians…
“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; being 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.” (Colossians 1:9-12)
I love Paul’s heart for others. He prays fervently for those under his spiritual care. He prays without ceasing for those who are lost and wandering in darkness and despair. He lifts up even his enemies before the Lord and asks God to convict and judge them in righteousness according to His perfect will.
I also love how Paul prays for others. I love the content of his prayers. Of all the things he could have lifted up in prayer - their pain, suffering, heartbreak, poverty, etc. - Paul prays for their spiritual well-being. He prayed for them to be filled with the knowledge of God’s will. God’s wisdom. God’s insight and understanding. He prays they will - in the midst of all they’re going through - remain faithful to Jesus in their manner of life. He prays for their fruitfulness as believers. He prays for them to be strengthened with God’s power. To endure. To persevere. To thrive. He prays for them to find joy in the midst of their trials and tribulations. And he prays finally for them to be filled with gratitude for all God has done.
I find myself deeply convicted by Paul’s prayer life. The way he prays. The people he prays for. The heart of his prayers. And I find myself longing to do the same for the people God has placed in my life. To pray for my wife and children. Pray for my extended family and friends. Pray for my church family and denomination. Pray for the community where I live and my country. Pray for the world and the brothers and sisters I know who are engaged in God’s great work. Praying even for my enemies. And as I pray, I find myself focusing less on the immediate needs - though I lift those to the Lord as well - but more for God to fill them with His strength, wisdom, knowledge, and joy. For as God fills us with these things. Really as God fills us with His presence. We find the courage and strength to face every circumstance. We find the peace that passes all understanding that transcends every tragedy. We find the hope that endures in the face of every despair.
Readings for tomorrow: Jeremiah 4:19-6:15, Colossians 1:18-29, Psalms 77, Proverbs 24:23-25