A Prayer for Everyone

9) For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10) so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 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 in Light 13)  For He rescued 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.  Colossians 1: 9-14

If you've ever been confused about how to intercede for someone, Paul's prayer in Colossians is appropriate for every person and every situation. Because it fits perfectly with God's will, you can ask these requests with great confidence--both for yourself and for others:

To be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding. Not only do we need to know God's plan for our lives; we also require discernment to distinguish His guiding voice from our own self-directed notions.

To walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, pleasing Him in all respects. Our lives should be patterned after the One we follow, with the goal of bringing Him glory and delight.

To bear fruit in every good work. Instead of being wrapped up in our own jobs, possessions, pleasures, and plans, we should be contributing to others' lives.

To increase in the knowledge of God. By reading His Word, applying it to our lives, and observing His ways, we'll gain a deeper understanding of the Lord.

To be strengthened with His power in order to remain steadfast. The Christian life can be lived only with the Holy Spirit's power.

To joyously give thanks for all He's done for you. Believers should be characterized by joy and gratitude.

Too often we focus our requests on important temporal needs but miss seeing the deeper spiritual work God wants to do. Imagine how effective your prayers will be if you'll shift the emphasis of your petitions to the Lord's desires. He'll transform you and the people for whom you intercede.   (Via Charles Stanley)   Be Blessed!   Dawn