Praying According to the Will of God

Prayer is the lifeblood of the Christian faith, a conduit through which believers commune with God, seek His guidance, and align themselves with His divine purposes. Within evangelical theology, the significance of prayer is magnified by the emphasis on Scripture as the authoritative revelation of God's will. Praying according to God's will is not merely a devotional exercise but a theological imperative that shapes the believer's life and the Church's mission.

The Apostle Paul's epistle to the Colossians offers profound insights into this practice. He wrote to a congregation he had not visited personally. Paul addresses challenges posed by false teachings that threatened to undermine the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ. His prayer in Colossians 1:9-14 serves as both a pastoral encouragement and a theological anchor, guiding the Colossians—and, by extension, contemporary believers—in understanding how to pray harmoniously with God's will.

This exploration delves into an exegetical analysis of Colossians 1:9-14, examining key Greek terms and their implications, and considers the theological significance of praying according to God's will from an evangelical perspective. By engaging with the text and its broader scriptural context, we aim to illuminate how Paul's prayer provides a model for believers seeking to deepen their relationship with God and live out their faith effectively.

Exegetical Analysis of Colossians 1:9-14

Contextual Overview

Before examining the passage, it is essential to understand the context of Paul's letter. The Church in Colossae grappled with heretical teachings, often called the "Colossian heresy," which combined elements of Jewish legalism, Greek philosophy, and early Gnostic thought (O'Brien, 1982). These teachings devalued Christ's preeminence and promoted secret knowledge as a means to spiritual fullness.

Paul's response is to reaffirm Christ's supremacy and sufficiency, emphasizing that believers are complete in Him (Colossians 2:9-10). His prayer in Colossians 1:9-14 is strategic, seeking to ground the Colossians in the true knowledge of God's will and fortify them against doctrinal error.

Verse 9

"And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding." (Colossians 1:9, ESV)

Paul begins by expressing his continuous prayer for the Colossians. The phrase "we have not ceased to pray for you" employs the Greek verb pauomai (παύομαι) in the negative form, emphasizing ongoing action (Thayer, 2009). This persistent intercession reflects Paul's deep pastoral concern.

The request is that they "may be filled" (plēroō, πληρόω) with the "knowledge" (epignōsis, ἐπίγνωσις) of God's will. Plēroō conveys the idea of being fully furnished or complete (BDAG, 2000). Epignōsis denotes precise and correct knowledge, often with an experiential aspect (Vine, 1996). This counters the false teachers' claim to possess superior knowledge.

"In all spiritual wisdom and understanding" further qualifies this knowledge. "Wisdom" (sophia, σοφία) and "understanding" (synesis, σύνεσις) are terms that, in combination, encompass both theoretical insight and practical application (Harris, 2010). The adjective "spiritual" (pneumatikos, πνευματικός) indicates that this wisdom and understanding are imparted by the Holy Spirit, not human philosophy.

Verse 10

"So as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God." (Colossians 1:10, ESV)

The purpose of being filled with knowledge is practical—"to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord." The Greek verb "walk" (peripateō, περιπατέω) metaphorically represents one's conduct or lifestyle (Louw & Nida, 1989). "Worthy" (axios, ἀξίως) implies conduct that corresponds to the character and expectations of the Lord.

"Fully pleasing to him" translates eis pasan areskeian (εἰς πᾶσαν ἀρεσκείαν), indicating a desire to please God in every way. This contrasts with seeking to please humans or conform to false teachings.

"Bearing fruit" (karpophoreō, καρποφορέω) in "every good work" underscores the visible evidence of a transformed life. The present participle suggests ongoing action (Wallace, 1996). "Increasing in the knowledge of God" echoes the earlier emphasis on epignōsis, highlighting that spiritual growth is a continuous process.

Verse 11

"May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy." (Colossians 1:11, ESV)

Paul prays for the Colossians to be "strengthened" (dynamoumenoi, δυναμούμενοι), derived from dynamis (δύναμις), meaning power or ability. This empowerment is "according to his glorious might" (kratos, κράτος), emphasizing God's inherent strength and sovereign power (Mounce, 2006).

The goal is "for all endurance and patience with joy." "Endurance" (hypomonē, ὑπομονή) refers to steadfastness under trial, while "patience" (makrothymia, μακροθυμία) relates to long-suffering towards people (Barclay, 1975). The inclusion of "with joy" (meta charas, μετὰ χαρᾶς) highlights the believer's ability to rejoice amid difficulties, a theme Paul often addresses (Romans 5:3-5).

Verse 12

"Giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light." (Colossians 1:12, ESV)

"Giving thanks" (eucharisteō, εὐχαριστέω) is a recurring Pauline theme, emphasizing gratitude as a fundamental Christian attitude (Colossians 3:17). The Father "has qualified" (hikanoō, ἱκανόω) believers, meaning He has made them sufficient or fit (Louw & Nida, 1989).

"To share in the inheritance of the saints in light" alludes to the Old Testament concept of inheritance, now redefined as spiritual blessings in Christ (Ephesians 1:11). "In light" contrasts with darkness, symbolizing truth, holiness, and God's presence (1 John 1:5).

Verse 13

"He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son." (Colossians 1:13, ESV)

The Father "has delivered" (ryomai, ῥύομαι) us, indicating rescue from danger or oppression. The "domain of darkness" (exousia tou skotous, ἐξουσία τοῦ σκότους) represents the authority or power of evil (O'Brien, 1982).

"Transferred" (methistēmi, μεθίστημι) conveys the idea of removal from one place to another, often used for deportation in ancient contexts (Lightfoot, 1879). Believers are moved into "the kingdom of his beloved Son," signifying a new allegiance under Christ's rule.

Verse 14

"In whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." (Colossians 1:14, ESV)

"In whom" refers to Christ. "We have redemption" (apolutrōsis, ἀπολύτρωσις), a term denoting liberation through the payment of a ransom (Thayer, 2009). "The forgiveness" (aphesis, ἄφεσις) of sins involves the release from the penalty and power of sin.

This verse encapsulates the redemptive work of Christ, central to Paul's theology and evangelical doctrine.

Theological Discussion

Praying According to God's Will

Within evangelical theology, praying according to God's will is foundational. It reflects a submission to God's sovereignty and a desire for one's life to align with His purposes. This aligns with Jesus' instruction in the Lord's Prayer: "Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:10, ESV).

Paul's prayer in Colossians 1:9-14 models this alignment. He prioritizes spiritual needs over temporal concerns, focusing on knowledge of God's will, worthy conduct, spiritual strength, and gratitude.

Knowledge of God's Will

Understanding God's will is paramount. Evangelicals assert that Scripture is the primary means by which God reveals His will (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Paul's emphasis on being "filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding" underscores the necessity of engaging with Scripture under the Holy Spirit's illumination.

As Grudem (1994) notes, "The knowledge of God's will is not to be sought through mystical experiences or secret revelations, but through diligent study of the Bible, accompanied by prayer."

Walking Worthy of the Lord

Evangelicals emphasize that genuine faith results in transformed living. Paul's prayer for the Colossians to "walk in a manner worthy of the Lord" reflects the expectation that believers' conduct should reflect their relationship with Christ (Ephesians 4:1).

This involves obedience, holiness, and active participation in good works—not as a means of earning salvation but as evidence of it (James 2:14-17).

Bearing Fruit and Increasing in Knowledge

The notion of "bearing fruit in every good work" aligns with Jesus' teaching in John 15:5: "Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit." Evangelicals stress the importance of abiding in Christ to produce spiritual fruit, which includes character development (Galatians 5:22-23) and ministry effectiveness.

"Increasing in the knowledge of God" suggests a dynamic, ongoing relationship. As believers engage with Scripture, participate in worship, and experience God's faithfulness, their understanding deepens.

Strengthened with All Power

Dependence on God's power is essential for living the Christian life. Paul's prayer that the Colossians be "strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might" highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers (Acts 1:8).

This divine empowerment enables believers to exhibit "endurance and patience with joy," qualities that reflect Christ's character and are vital in the face of trials.

Gratitude and Inheritance

Expressing gratitude to the Father recognizes His initiative in salvation. Evangelicals affirm that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9). The idea that God has "qualified" believers to share in the inheritance emphasizes His unmerited favor.

The "inheritance of the saints in light" points to the eschatological hope of eternal life and fellowship with God. This hope motivates believers to persevere in faithfulness.

Deliverance and Transference

Paul's depiction of believers being delivered from darkness and transferred to Christ's kingdom underscores the radical transformation inherent in salvation. Evangelicals teach that conversion involves a decisive break from the past and a new identity in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).

This transfer of allegiance has ethical implications, calling believers to live under Christ's lordship and reject the values of the fallen world.

Redemption and Forgiveness

Redemption through Christ's blood is central to evangelical doctrine. The belief that Jesus' atoning sacrifice secures forgiveness of sins is foundational (Romans 3:24-25).

This assurance of forgiveness liberates believers from guilt and empowers them to live in freedom and obedience.

Addressing Counterarguments

Some might argue that emphasizing knowledge of God's will could lead to legalism or intellectualism. However, Paul's integration of wisdom, understanding, and practical living mitigates this concern. Knowledge is not an end in itself but a means to enable believers to walk worthy of the Lord.

Others may question the focus on spiritual strength and endurance, suggesting it downplays human responsibility. Evangelicals maintain that while divine empowerment is essential, believers are called to cooperate with the Holy Spirit (Philippians 2:12-13) actively.

Application for Believers

Aligning Prayer with God's Will

Believers can model their prayers after Paul's, prioritizing spiritual growth and alignment with God's purposes. This involves seeking:

1. Fullness of Knowledge: Regular engagement with Scripture and openness to the Holy Spirit's teaching.
2. Worthy Conduct: Commitment to living in a manner that honors Christ, reflecting His character.
3. Fruitfulness: Active participation in good works, serving others, and advancing the Gospel.
4. Spiritual Strength: Reliance on God's power to endure trials and exhibit patience with joy.
5. Gratitude: Cultivating a thankful heart for God's grace and provision.

Practical Steps

1. Study Scripture Diligently: Make Bible reading and study a daily practice, using resources to deepen understanding.
2. Pray Intentionally: Incorporate elements of Paul's prayer into personal and corporate prayer times.
3. Engage in Community: Participate in Church fellowship and accountability to encourage growth and service.
4. Serve Actively: Find ways to use gifts and talents to serve within the Church and the broader community.
5. Reflect on Identity: Regularly meditate on the truths of redemption, forgiveness, and new life in Christ.

Impact on the Church and Gospel Advancement

When believers pray according to God's will and live accordingly, the Church is strengthened. Unity is fostered as members share common goals and values. The authenticity of believers' lives serves as a powerful witness to the world, drawing others to Christ. As Carson (1992) observes, "The one thing we most urgently need in Western Christendom is a deeper knowledge of God. We need to know God better."

Conclusion

Praying according to the will of God is a profound endeavor that aligns believers with the heart of the Father and empowers them to live out their faith effectively. The Apostle Paul's prayer in Colossians 1:9-14 provides a rich template for such prayer, emphasizing the pursuit of divine knowledge, worthy conduct, spiritual strength, gratitude, and a deep appreciation of redemption.

By embracing this model, believers can experience transformation in their personal lives and contribute meaningfully to the life of the Church. Prayers rooted in God's will offer stability, direction, and hope in a world characterized by uncertainty and competing ideologies. As we commit to praying this way, we join in God's redemptive work, seeing His kingdom come and His will be done on earth as it is in heaven.