Periodically when I come to God for supplication of others, I find myself at a loss for words. I aim to lift up their situations, needs, what would benefit them; but it seems like they need so much more than my mind can conjure up. Thankfully, I stumbled upon exceptional instruction in the matter.
“For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 10 that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; 12 giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light.” — Colossians 1:9-12 NKJV
Wow! Exactly what I needed. So, here’s the way I see that broken down.
A prayer for others…
Do not cease to pray for them.
Ask that they may be filled with knowledge of God’s will- a deep and final knowledge of what is laid out in scripture.
Ask for their wisdom and understanding of it, the ability to accumulate and organize principles from scripture and application of those principles to daily living.
That they would “walk worthy”- live in a way that is consistent with the Lord who saved them.
That they will have spiritual fruit..
- Lead people to Christ
- Praise God
- Give money to further the kingdom
- Live a godly life
- Display holy attitudes
- Fruits of the spirit
Increase in the knowledge of God, a love of God’s word, a more perfect obedience, a strong doctrinal foundation, an expanding faith, and a greater love for others.
Strengthening of the spirit through a disciplined mind to study the word, understand it, and live by it.
Energy, revitalization, and empowerment through the spirit by obedience and commitment.
Patience and long-suffering, especially in trials. Patience for enduring circumstances and long-suffering for enduring people.
A thankful heart for Him who qualified us, through his grace, to receive an inheritance instead of wrath.
I sincerely hope this will be helpful to you when you pray for those in your life whom you love. And, if you’re one of those lucky people whom I love, this is how I now pray for you! Please comment and add what you have learned to be beneficial in instruction of prayer.
Much love!
Hanna