Praying for the Saints

Reading through Colossians recently, I was struck with a renewed desire to pray for my spiritual family (even though I don't know most of them!). I thought this (being the beginning of a new year) might be a good time to encourage you, to ask God if there is a fellow saint whom you should start praying for regularly - locally and/or worldwide. We all can make a huge difference through prayer. Paul knew this. Abba knows it, too. After all, He did make the world, the rules, and gives us examples to follow.

Here's how Paul prayed for the believers he was writing to in Colossians 1:1-12, NASB:

•  All the time, because we are now family – and thanking God for working in their lives.
• To know His will: How amazing that we can know HIS will, the magnificent King of Kings shares His “brain” with us, giving us all spiritual wisdom and understanding? Come on, girl. That’s something to be excited about! Could I hear a slight twinge of joy in that heart of yours?
• To walk in a “manner worthy of the Lord": How amazing that we are even able to please Him. We’re walking clay – creations – nothing compared to Him. Yet He’s recreated us and given us the ability to please Him. Wow.
• Strengthened with all power (HIS power): so that courageous endurance and patience will result;
• JOYOUSLY thanking Abba: for He’s the whole reason we CAN share in this inheritance!

Abba, joyously thank you for making us family, and for hope that we can walk in a manner worthy of you! Thank you for the power of prayer. Teach us how to use the powerful tool of prayer to partner with you in building up the bride of Christ. I ask that you give us wisdom, teach us your will, and remind us to pray. In Jesus' name.