Wednesday, 20th February

READING:

Colossians 1 verses 9 & 10
9 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, 10 so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.

MEDITATION:

What stimulates you to pray?
Paul is stimulated by the Gospel. He begins verse 9 For this reason. Verses 1 to 9 speak of the Gospel that produces faith, love and hope.
We are often stimulated to pray by circumstances that have gone sour, or have become difficult to manage. We often pray when we hear of special needs and trouble. Paul is stimulated by the glorious Gospel. He is stimulated to pray because of what Jesus has done, and is doing.
He then prays not for a changed circumstance, but for a real experience; a deep knowledge of God. That is what he means by being filled with knowledge. That we will know, really know, deep down, the Gospel. And that, that Gospel will transform us.
This is a great challenge to us. What stimulates us to pray, and what do we pray for? Is the Gospel central to our praying?

PRAYER for the DAY

Oh Lord please re-direct and re-shape my prayers by the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Teach me to pray. Father it is so easy to fill my life with many other things and to neglect the opportunity of talking; communing with you. I pray this morning for that which I need above all things; to be filled with the knowledge of your will, with all spiritual wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives.
May I know your wonderful grace, mercy and love so that I can live each day for Jesus. Amen.