Category Archives: Epaphras

For this cause we pray (1)

For this cause we pray

Colossians 1:9-11

The Apostle Paul’s prayer to the church at Colosse included his interest in providing support for all that they needed to have to be empowered for ministry. It doesn’t appear that he had visited Colosse when he wrote the epistle since he tells Philemon of his hope to visit it upon being freed from prison [see Philemon 1:22]. Some speculate that Epaphras was the founder of the Colossian church [see Colossians 1:7, 4:12].

Paul’s petition in Colossians 1:9-11 can be broken into five phrases that provide insight into what the Holy Spirit wants to inspire into the entire body of believers so that we may be perfect and entire, wanting for nothing [James 1:4].

The Apostle’s prayer in the text is as follows:
[9] “For this reason we also, from the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to

    1. ask that you be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

This petition asks that we increase our understanding of what God wants for us in both the near term and overall. That we know what He wants for us and for those in our circle of influence including those who we will help enter the kingdom. It speaks of gaining the knowledge with the wisdom of how to accomplish and fully grasp the significance and meaning. To know how I have been equipped spiritually, emotionally and mentally to do his will and to adapt my self to conform to His will as I understand it.

    1. that you walk worthy of the Lord, in all pleasing

That the way we behave and the way that we manage our inner (mental and spiritual selves is pleasing and not grieving to Him. That I have managed to mortify the “natural” self and all of the old desires, baggage and issues given the grace that I live in. That I am sensitive to His calling and to communicating with Him regularly and faithfully. That I am resting in His love as a springboard and enticement to love my neighbors as myself. That I strive continually to dedicate and commit myself to Him.

More later!