A Prayer for All Seasons

Since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may 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 joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.~Colossians 1:9-12

Time has a way of defining true friends. I have discovered that passing years and growing distance are ineffective obstacles to the mutual love between my friends and me. Perhaps it is because of our common walk with the Lord that we can just pick up where we left off whenever we are together. And these are the dear ones I will spend eternity loving!

Read today's Scripture passage again and think about what a wonderful prayer it is for you to pray for your friend(s). Knowing that a friend is praying for me is a real source of encouragement and support. If you aren't praying for your friends daily, let me suggest that Colossians 1:9-12 be your model. Look at what you'll be asking God:

*That your friend will have the spiritual wisdom and understanding she needs to know God's will
*That he/she will "walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please him, in all respects"
*That your friend will be bearing "fruit in all good work and increasing in the knowledge of God"
*That he/she will be "strengthened with all power...for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience".

You would then end your prayer by joyously giving thanks to God for all that He has given you--your friend being one of those gifts.

With these powerful words and the Lord at his/her side, your friend will be able to deal with the challenges he/she faces. I also encourage you to tell your friend that you are praying for him/her each day, and if they are receptive, tell her the specifics of your prayers.

Know, too, that these verses from Colossians are a good model for your prayers for your spouse, family members, neighbors and yourself. After all, all of God's people need to know His will, honor Him in everything they do, grow in the knowledge of the Lord, and be strong, steadfast, and patient as we serve Him.

Thoughts for Action
~In a journal, write down the names of the friends that you want to pray for each day. Under each name list specific areas which you want to pray for them.
~Read Colossians 1:9-12 for 30 straight days. Think specifically of the friends you listed in your journal.

Additional Scripture: Ephesians 3:14-19, Philemon 4-7

(devotional from 15 Minutes Alone with God by Emilie Barnes pg 11-13)