As I think about my last post, and as I look at this world, it leads me to one simple conclusion - I need to pray without ceasing! That's what it says Paul did for the Colossians, and that's what I want to do as well.
I've gotten a little lax lately about going in and praying for my children while they are asleep. But over the last few days, since reading and preaching on Paul's prayer in Colossians 1, I've been doing it every night. And I don't plan on stopping! I plan on doing this everyday!
We are SO concerned about our children's progress in sports, music, school, reputation and other activities - but what really matters? My encouragement is that anyone who calls Jesus their Lord makes a commitment to pray for themselves and for their children daily! I like doing it while my children are asleep, but I also pray these things for them when they can hear it for themselves.
Will you commit to do this? Pray for them to have a knowledge of God's Will. Pray for a wisdom that only comes from the Holy Spirit. Pray this so that they will have one desire in life - to live worthy of the Lord. Not for their applause, but so God is pleased in all things! Pray that they bear fruit as they seek to go good works. Pray they are strengthened according to the power of His Glory! And pray that they have endurance, patience and joy, and that they will always give thanks to God for His grace and forgiveness!
It's what Paul prayed for the Colossians, and it's a great model for our prayers for ourselves, our spouses, our children, our friends, our church - and for everyone!
Posted on
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
by Jonathan Goeke