A friend asked me once, “Dustin, if your specific prayers were transcribed (written out) as you prayed them, would they give evidence that your hope is built upon Christ Jesus or would they show you want this present life to be nice and easy?”

In Colossians 1:9-14 we see Paul’s prayer and a prayer we must pray for one another. Paul rejoices with the reality that the Christians in Colossae are growing in faith in Christ Jesus, are overflowing in love for the saints, and explains how and what he prays for them.

In short, Paul prays for the saints in Colossae that they would treasure Christ Jesus, be strengthened in Christ Jesus and give thanks to God in Christ Jesus.

Paul prays that the church at Colossae would “be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding" (Colossians 1:9), which is believing and cherishing Christ Jesus “in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3). Paul prays that they would hold the glory of Christ Jesus as precious and as the life-defining reality of all of life. As this occurs in our individual lives and our corporate life together, eternal fruit is produced.

Likewise, Paul prays that they would be strengthened in Christ Jesus (Colossians 1:11). We cannot accomplish our strengthening by self-centered will-power. Being strengthened occurs in and through Christ Jesus and this strengthening occurs in accordance with his power and his glorious might. O the hope this gives to the languishing saint! It is Christ Jesus himself who gives life and breathe and strength to endure in this life with patience and joy. Christ Jesus has made us His own, and now He strengthens us to live life with enduring joy and patience.

Additionally, Paul prays that they would give thanks to the Father in Christ Jesus. The giving of thanks should never be absent from the heart and lips of a Christ-follower. We have an infinite amount to give thanks for, namely what God has done in the Gospel. We have an eternal inheritance in Christ Jesus, we have been forgiven and delivered from our sin and eternal death. We have been given life in Jesus and now are a child of the King and part of His eternal kingdom.

Brother and sister, we have Christ Jesus who has made us His own! Let us rejoice in Him and live for him and pray for one another in this manner.