How to Pray

Following is a powerful model of how to pray for others—and for ourselves. Paul, though far away and having never met the Colossian believers personally, prayed for them continually. This reminds us that prayer is not limited by distance; it reaches people wherever they are.

1. We pray to know God’s will.

COLOSSIANS 1:9 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,

This is not merely knowing what to do in specific situations, but developing a deep, Spirit-given understanding of God’s heart and purposes. As we grow in this, God begins to guide us in the details of our lives. His specific direction flows out of His revealed will in Scripture: that people come to salvation (Second Epistle of Peter 3:9), (First Epistle to the Thessalonians 4:3), and (First Epistle of Peter 4:10; see also Gospel of Matthew 28:19–20). When we align with these, we become more sensitive to His leading in every area of life.

Example of God’s General Will:

Salvation. 2 Peter 3:9

That people come to salvation

Sanctification. 1 Thessalonian 4:3

That believers live in holiness

Service. 1 Peter 4:10

That we serve others faithfully. To truly help others in their spiritual lives, we must go beyond giving advice or meeting temporary needs. Real help means guiding people to follow Christ—to know Him, grow in Him, and obey His Word (Matthew 28:19-20).

When we align with these, we become more sensitive to His leading in every area of life.

More on God's Will

2. We pray to obey God’s will.

COLOSSIANS 1:10 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;

The word “walk” points to our daily lifestyle—our attitudes, choices, and actions. Knowing God’s will is not the goal; living it out is. As we obey, our relationship with God deepens, and we begin to bear fruit through good works that bless others. Obedience is not a one-time act but a pattern of life, and through it, our understanding of God continues to grow. There is a beautiful cycle: the more we know Him, the more we obey; and the more we obey, the more we know Him.

3. We pray for strength to live it out.

COLOSSIANS 1:11 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.

Obedience requires more than good intentions. We pray that we be “strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might.” The Christian life is not merely challenging—it is beyond human ability. It requires supernatural strength. This power is seen not in dramatic displays, but in steady endurance. Steadfastness enables us to keep going when we feel like giving up. Patience helps us respond with grace, especially in difficult relationships. And joy anchors us even in trials, because our hope is not based on circumstances but on what God has done for us.

This joy flows from truth: the Father has qualified us to share in an eternal inheritance. He has rescued us from darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His Son. In Christ, we have redemption and the forgiveness of sins. These realities give us strength to persevere with gratitude.

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