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Paul had never met the believers at Colosse, but he knew how to pray for them. He says nothing in this prayer about their physical health, financial provision, or even protection from their adversaries. Rather, his prayer zeroes in on their interior life. The apostle knew that when a person's mental outlook is in line, everything else will fall into place.

Colossians 1:9-12

1. Why is understanding what God wants to do in your life (v. 9) basic to forming the right attitudes?
   
   
2. According to verse 10, how will understanding God's purpose for you affect how you relate to him?
   
   
3. How will it affect the way you relate to others?
   
   
4. When you pray for strength and power from God (v. 11), what outcomes should you expect?
   
   
5. What two frames of mind does Paul pray (v. 12) will characterize the Colossian believers?
   
   
6. Have you consistently prayed Paul's prayer for another man you know? Have you even invited another man to pray this way for you?
   
   

Ask God to help you form Christ-honoring attitudes so that Christ-honoring words and actions will flow naturally from your life.

Colossians 1:9-12

9 So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. 10 Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better.

11 We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, 12 always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light.

Copyright © 2009 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine.
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Prayer for the Week

Help me, Lord, to cultivate a positive attitude that makes belonging to you look attractive.

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