While I have many prayer requests to share, the consistent prayer need is my own spiritual growth. Instead of trying to work in my own strength, I would be wise to admit to God, through prayer, how much I need His help.
The Apostle Paul prayed consistently for the Colossian believers. He understood that many challenges would arise for those desiring to grow in Christ. Our progress is marked by other believers who have prayed for us. We can spur on others’ growth through our prayers as well.
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, 10 so that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and growing in the knowledge of God, 11 being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, so that you may have great endurance and patience, joyfully 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled you to share in the saints’ inheritance in the light. 13 He has rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son he loves. 14 In him we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Colossians 1:9-14
How should these prayers be focused? We desire all believers to be filled (1:9) with knowledge (the content of truth), wisdom (the comprehension of truth), and understanding (the application of truth). As we are filled with these components relating to a more profound acceptance of truth, it leads us to the filling of truth being transformed by truth.
We need more than biblical information – we need biblical motivation.
Truth is not a set of mental doctrines to which we should ascend; they are concepts to be fleshed out in our lives. The closer we get to Jesus, the more we want to be fully pleasing to Him (1:10). Our partial obedience can never obtain God’s complete pleasure. As we expose ourselves to the truth, we clearly see the areas which still require work.
If we are indeed growing in Christ, we should bear fruit in every good work (1:10). Bearing spiritual fruit is due to the work of God, but it also benefits others. This fruit leads us to the knowledge of God. Learning God’s will enables us to obey God’s will.
Where does it begin? As you evaluate your life, determine the areas that need work. In your prayers, ask God to give you the power to see change and provide you with the direction you need to pursue those changes.
God knows you are struggling. Pray to Him about the issues, and watch Him continue to work!
Travis Agnew serves as the Lead Pastor of Rocky Creek Church in Greenville, SC. His most recent book is Just (About) Married.
