THE COSMIC CHRISTနမူနာ

Paul’s prayers for people are some of the highlights of the New Testament. They tell us so much about what we should be longing for, and they also teach us what to pray for others. 

What does Paul desire for the Colossians? That they be filled with the knowledge of God’s will. He wants them not to have special and secret knowledge of some mystery cult but to gain knowledge of what it is that the Lord God wants. They are to know God’s will so that they can live in a way that reflects God’s will. 

And how will they do that? In their good works, for one thing. But also, in more deeply knowing God. Their knowledge of God will prompt them to seek a deeper knowledge of God – not just to know about him, but to know him. As they know him, this will produce in them a strength from his power so that they might endure and have patience. They will have, in other words, a hope for the future in God that equips them to survive all things.

Lastly, knowing God’s will results in thankfulness – giving joyful thanks, because in the work and the will of God they have been made citizens of God’s kingdom, and therefore now have a share in the inheritance. 

Prayer

Father, fill me with the knowledge of your will in all spiritual understanding, that I may live a life worthy of you – overflowing with good works, growing in the knowledge of God, and being strengthened in the power to endure all things for your sake. Amen.