Praying for Others

Last night, lesson #4 on prayer. We looked at Colossians 1:9-17 and Paul didn't cease to pray for the believers at Colosse because he recognized their faith and love in Christ (v. 4&8). Here's what he prayed for (I believe we can use this as an example of praying for other believers today):

1. that they might know God's will, v.9.
2. that they will have wisdom, v.9.
3. that they will understand from a spiritual perspective, v.9.
4. that they will walk worthy of the Lord (their testimony), v.10.
5. that their good works will be fruitful (productive), v.10.
6. that by serving God they will get to know Him better, v.10.
7. for strength, realizing that it comes from God's power, v.11.
8. that they would have patience, v.11.
9. to demonstrate the fruit of the spirit such as longsuffering & joyfulness, v.11

Verses 12-17 tell us what gives us the right to pray this way:
a. God is our heavenly Father, and we have an inheritance (we're family!), v.12.
b. we are part of the kingdom of Jesus Christ, v.13.
c. God redeemed us (bought back) an forgave us from our sin, v.14.
d. by Jesus Christ all things consist. Because He is the final authority we should pray like He says, v. 17.