As I read through the Bible, I often discover specific things I can pray for. It’s a powerful thing to pray Scripture! One of the passages that I discovered for prayer is the first chapter of Colossians. Paul lets the people of the church at Colosse know that he and his companions are praying consistently for them. Then he goes on to tell them what they are praying for.
…asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. (Colossians 1:9)
I think it’s safe to say that we would all love to know more about God’s will. Most of us genuinely desire to live our lives in such a way that we are in line with his will. And obviously, if we are truly seeking God’s will, we should be in his Word and in prayer daily. And as we do that, we should be asking God to fill us with the knowledge of his will. This isn’t just head knowledge that we can get by learning more and more. What we need is the “spiritual wisdom and understanding” that God gives to his children through his Spirit.
This is a prayer we can know pleases God. A perfect example of this can be found in 1 Kings 3. King Solomon had recently inherited the throne from his father, David. David was a good king. A man after God’s own heart. (Acts 13:22) Solomon realized that to continue in his father’s footsteps, his most important need was a discerning heart. So when God told him to ask for whatever he wanted (1 Kings 3:5), that is precisely what he asked for. God was so pleased that Solomon asked for wisdom over long life or wealth that he not only gave him the wisdom he asked for, but also much more.
In this world we are constantly faced with choices to make. Some of them seemingly small and inconsequential, others large and potentially life changing. When we accepted Christ as our Lord and Savior, we received the Holy Spirit as our guide. God has made available to us spiritual wisdom and understanding and we would be crazy not to seek this above all else. Just imagine how things would fall into place if we truly sought the knowledge of God’s will. I have come to see this prayer for my family and me as of utmost importance.
I am your servant; give me discernment that I may understand your statutes. – Psalm 119:125
May my cry come before you, Lord; give me understanding according to your word. – Psalm 119:169
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. – James 1:5