Devotionals for November 18, 2022
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READ
COLOSSIANS 1:9-14
For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
REFLECT
Paul just lays out the template for a powerful, other-focused prayer here! His hope in God and love for His church shines brightly here. Skim over his prayer again. Reflect on the phrases which bring you the most encouragement. Skim it again and find phrases which elevate and honor Christ.
APPLY
Q: Why does Paul mix encouragement to others and honoring Christ in the same prayer?
Q: Which parts of this prayer can you adopt to pray for others?
Q: Reflect on your prayer habits. What percent is spent on yourself? On others? How can you lean more into selfless prayer and trust like Paul demonstrates here?
Q: Which parts of this prayer can you adopt to pray for others?
Q: Reflect on your prayer habits. What percent is spent on yourself? On others? How can you lean more into selfless prayer and trust like Paul demonstrates here?
SING
PRAY
"And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one."
Lord, I know I will go through pain and trials. Help me to remain planted firmly in your Son, Jesus. Increase my love for others so I pray selflessly for them each day. They need me, and I need them. Help me to grow closer to my spiritual family today. When I’m tempted to withdraw, help me to draw near to You and to others. Amen.
Lord, I know I will go through pain and trials. Help me to remain planted firmly in your Son, Jesus. Increase my love for others so I pray selflessly for them each day. They need me, and I need them. Help me to grow closer to my spiritual family today. When I’m tempted to withdraw, help me to draw near to You and to others. Amen.