“For this reason, we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you,” – Colossians 1:9

Scripture reading: Colossians 1:9-12

As an apostle, Paul is a shepherd of the flock in Colosse. Like a good father, he prays for the children who have come to the Lord Jesus through the work of Epaphras, and Paul wants to encourage that work so that the children there may be strong, healthy and energetic for their calling as the flock of Christ and the children of God. Later in the letter (3:17), Paul writes, “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” He praises God, asking for the thankful heart for what He has done and hopes he will continue to do.

It is with regret, too often, that ministers frequently feel as if there is not enough time to pray and give thanks for our flocks. As mentioned yesterday, as church members, we can be too quick to see the broken, not the good. Yet, seeing the brokenness, are we a praying church? True, we are not apostles like Paul, but we are members of that inheritance Christ, through His death and resurrection, has won for us. We know our Redeemer prays for us at the right hand of God. As the body of Christ, let us be a praying people, devoted to the great Shepherd and His flock so that we might grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Suggestions for prayer

Pray from the words of Paul’s prayer in Colossians 1:9-12.

Pastor Al Bezuyen is married to Sanya and has been blessed with six children and two grandchildren. He is a Mid-America Reformed Seminary graduate serving at the Zion United Reformed Church of Sheffield, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com.