Meditation

Read Luke 11:1-10                                —Colossians 1:9-10 (NRSV)

We have not ceased praying for you and asking that you may be filled with knowledge of God’s will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may lead lives worthy of the Lord.

On a recent visit to Atlanta, my daughter Tonya showed me the cards that she hands out to strangers as she travels. They say, “I said a prayer for you today.” I was so impressed! She gave me several and I began to do the same thing. I was pleased by the first reaction I got. The receptionist at the doctor’s office said, “Thank you. I was having a difficult day today. I will keep this card next to me. You really helped me today.”

My experience led me to consider how I actually pray for others. Paul tells us that he was praying for the church members at Colossae even though he had never met them. What was he praying? He tells us that he was praying that these strangers would first be filled with the knowledge of God’s will for their lives and that they would “lead lives worthy of the Lord.”

All of us need prayer. We can always ask how we can pray for others if they have specific needs like finding a new job, helping a lost son or daughter or improving their health condition. But when we are not sure what to pray for others, we can remember Paul’s prayer for the people in Colossae. 

Prayer—Our Father, thank you for hearing our prayers for those who are hurting today. In Jesus’ name, we ask you to be with them in powerful ways. Amen.

Thought for the Day—Whom will I take time to pray for today?

David Jones (Georgia)