Praying for Spiritual Growth

Praying for Spiritual Growth

One of the deepest expressions of love is when someone prays for your spiritual growth, not just your comfort or material success. In Colossians 1:9 - 12, Paul reveals what he prays for the believers in Colossae, and it’s a model of how we should pray for others and ourselves. He doesn’t ask for riches, fame, or escape from trials. Instead, he prays that they will be filled with the knowledge of God’s will, with spiritual wisdom and understanding. This kind of knowledge is not merely academic; it is the kind that changes how we live and make decisions. Paul understood that when we know God's will, we walk in ways that please Him. It makes our lives fruitful, purposeful, and honouring to God.

Spiritual growth doesn't happen by chance. It requires God's help, intentional prayer, and a heart ready to receive. Paul also prays that they be strengthened with all power according to God's glorious might. This is important because living in a way that pleases God often means resisting the easy path. We need strength to forgive, to endure hardship, to say no to temptation, and to keep going when life feels heavy. This strength comes from God’s Spirit, not from our own efforts. Paul ties this strength to two spiritual qualities: endurance and patience. Both are necessary for any believer who wants to mature. Endurance helps you keep going; patience helps you wait on God’s timing.

Finally, Paul gives thanks because spiritual growth results in joy and gratitude. He reminds the believers that God has already qualified them to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. That means you're not trying to earn your place in God's family, you already belong because of Jesus. Spiritual growth, then, isn’t about striving to be accepted; it’s about growing in what you’ve already been freely given. As you grow in Christ, your heart will overflow with thankfulness. You’ll begin to recognise His hand in every part of your journey. So today, pray for growth, not just for yourself, but for your loved ones. Ask to know God’s will, to walk in His ways, to be strong in trials, and to always be thankful.

Word Affirmation: (Psalm 32:8, KJV) "I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye." (KJV) (Don't just say it, mean it!)

Personalise: The Lord is teaching me daily, guiding me with His eyes full of wisdom and love.

“To pray for someone’s spiritual growth is to invest in their eternal strength.”

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