In the book of Colossians, Paul writes a letter to the people of Colosse telling them how to pray. Not just how to pray, but specifically how to pray for other Christians. Paul was in prison in Rome when he wrote to the people of Colosse. Colossians, Philippians, Ephesians, and Philemon are all referred to as the "Prison Letters". Unlike most of the other prisoners of the day, Paul is given special treatment. Paul was allowed to write letters and to have visitors. Colossians 1 verses 3-14 is known as Paul's Thanksgiving and Prayer.
During these verses, Paul tells the people of Colosse 7 ways to pray for other Christians.
1. Give thanks for their faith and change in their lives. (vs.3)
2. Help them know what God wants them do do. (vs.9)
3. Give them deep spiritual understanding. (vs.9)
4. Help them live for God. (vs.10)
5. Give them more knowledge of God. (vs.10)
6. Give them strength for endurance. (vs.11)
7. Fill them with the joy, strength, and thankfulness. (vs.11)
"We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you," Colossians 1:3 (NIV)
"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," Colossians 1:9 (NIV)
".....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," Colossians 1:10 (NIV)
".....being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience," Colossians 1:11 (NIV)
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