Neely Baptist Church
Sunday, September 05, 2010
A lighthouse in the Neely community.
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Devotional
EFFECTIVE PRAYER FOR OTHERS
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Colossians 1:11-14
11. Strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously
12. giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints of light.
13. For He delivered us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son,
14. in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
One of the disciples saw Jesus praying and made the request, "Lord, teach us to pray" (Luke 11:1). If Christ's close associate needed instruction, surely we, too, must learn about prayer.
Thankfully, there are many examples in Scripture for us to follow. For instance, Paul requested the first-century Christian's at Colossae several things bout prayer. They are still applicable today.
One such request was that these people would know God (v. 10). In other words, he wanted them to grow in the Lord and not become stagnate in their faith. The way this transforms us takes place by studying the Word of God. Then we begin applying these biblical principles in our daily lives.
Another plea was for the Colossians to experience God's power (v. 11). Paul wanted them to have the Lord's supernatural energy and the strength they needed to carry out His will. Things that are impossible by man's effort becomes possible when believers rely on God. Then all the glory rightly goes to Him.
Finally, Paul asked that they would give thanks joyously (vv. 11-12). Paul was indicating his hope that they would exhibit the proper attitude. He wanted them to express gratefulness even during difficult situations.
In church, we often hear people asking for prayer. And many believers make a prayer list so they don't forget to intercede for certain individuals during the week. Using the apostle Paul's example, we can be confident that we are praying for those on our lists in a manner that pleases the Lord and is in line with His will.
When you pray remember that it is all about God, and not about you.
For more information contact me at: pastor@neelybaptistchurch.com
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