When I read Colossians 1:9-14 today, I remember exactly how to pray for myself and others. I pray what Paul prayed:
“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(S)”> through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,10 so that you may live a life worthy<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(U)”> of the Lord and please him<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(V)”> in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(W)”> 11 being strengthened with all power<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; vertical-align: top;" value="(X)”> according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience,<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(Y)”> 12 and giving joyful thanks to the Father,<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(Z)”> who has qualified you to share in the inheritance<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(AA)”> of his holy people in the kingdom of light.<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(AB)”> 13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(AC)”> and brought us into the kingdom<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(AD)”> of the Son he loves,<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(AE)”> 14 in whom we have redemption,<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(AF)”> the forgiveness of sins.
I remember the 4 things that make up this kind of life. It’s one that:
1. Bears fruit in every good work
2. Grows in the knowledge of God
3. Is being strengthened (for endurance and patience!)
4. and Gives joyful thanks
What a wonderful life!
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I wish this could have been the conclusion, the description of the life for the wonderful women I loved in the fairy tales — much better and useful than “They loved happily ever after.” ;0)