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Paul had probably never visited Colosse. But he had a good idea of what the believers there were up against, so he knew how to pray for them. Today we look at part of his recorded prayer.

In the second excerpt from his letter, Paul describes our altered behavior as a total wardrobe makeover. We'll take a close look at some specific items of clothing.

Colossians 1:9-10;Colossians 3:12-14

1. Are you asking God for insight into what He wants to do in your life (1:9)
2. What are aspects of His answer that you can count on (1:10)
3. What is included (3:12 & 14) in the properly dressed Christian's attire? (The previous paragraph, vv. 5-11, describes the clothing you threw out and what replaced it.)
4. What (3:13) is the key to making allowance for the irritating traits and deliberate snubs of others?
5. Why do you think Paul calls love the most important part of your spiritual wardrobe?

Ask God to turn your self "inside out," so that your desire for others' good comes through in everything you say and do.

9 So we have continued praying for you ever since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you a complete understanding of what he wants to do in your lives, and we ask him to make you wise with spiritual wisdom. 10 Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and you will continually do good, kind things for others. All the while, you will learn to know God better and better.

12 Since God chose you to be the holy people whom he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 You must make allowance for each other's faults and forgive the person who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 14 And the most important piece of clothing you must wear is love. Love is what binds us all together in perfect harmony.

Copyright © 2005 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine. Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.

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Prayer for the Week

Fill me with Your Spirit, Lord, so that Your love will overflow to others in thoughtful actions.

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