Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Built Up In Christ Through Prayer

Colossians chapter 2 has much to say about how to be built up in Christ. As I go through this chapter we will look at what will and what will not build us up. The first thing that Paul makes reference to in verses 1-3 is prayer. I am thankful for his honesty in saying that he prays for those he knows and does not know and he admits it is a great struggle for him. Although I can relate to the struggles of keeping a strong prayer life in place, this is not a pass for us. Paul is not saying prayer is hard so just let it slide. No, he is saying prayer is a struggle I have on your behalf. He knows there is a benefit to praying and to keep on praying. This is a call to continue to struggle in prayer.

Paul also shares what it is he is praying for. He is not mindlessly going through a list but praying that which is most important for those he prays for. Although it would be nice to pray that those at Laodicea have a blessed day and that God would bless them, he goes deeper then that. He prays for their encouragement, that they would be knit together in love. And here is a mouthful,"that they will attain to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God's mystery, that is, Christ Himself, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge"(vs. 2-3).

WHEW! Now, we do not want to be wordy for words sake while praying. But look at those verses and see the depth of what Paul wanted to pray for others.

Have you and I ever struggled in such a positive way in prayer as Paul did? This should encourage us to be in the Word and to use Scripture to help us pray according to God's will for others. Here we have a wonderful example of how to be specific for those we pray for. "God bless the missionaries" was ok, I guess, when you were a babe but I hope you are praying differently today! If not, this is a great guideline. This will not only build up others but you yourself will be built up in Christ through your labor of prayer.

Kathy Withers

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