Using His Words to Pray for Ourselves and Others

Scripture: Colossians 1:9–14 (NKJV)

For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.

1. The Heart of Paul’s Prayer

Paul’s prayer isn’t focused on material blessings or temporary relief—it’s centered on spiritual growth and strength. He prayed that believers would:

• Be filled with the knowledge of God’s will

• Have spiritual understanding

• Walk worthy of the Lord

• Bear fruit in every good work

• Be strengthened with divine power

• Live with joyful endurance and gratitude

This is a mature, Kingdom-minded prayer. It shifts our focus from asking God for “what we want” to aligning with what He wants.

2. Learning to Pray God’s Word

There is no greater model of prayer than Scripture itself.
When we don’t know what to say, we can speak His Word back to Him.
Praying Scripture builds our confidence, purifies our motives, and ensures we’re asking in line with His will.

For example:

“Lord, fill me with the knowledge of Your will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.”
“Help me to walk worthy of You, pleasing You in all that I do.”
“Strengthen me with Your power so I may endure trials with patience and joy.”

We can also pray this prayer for others by simply replacing me with them—a spouse, child, coworker, or friend.

“Father, fill my husband with the knowledge of Your will…”
“Strengthen my children with Your glorious power…”
“Help my friend walk worthy of You…”

When we pray God’s Word, we’re not guessing. We’re agreeing with heaven.

3. Walking Worthy in a Worthless World

In today’s culture, “walking worthy” can feel almost countercultural.
Paul reminds us that being “qualified” by God isn’t about perfection—it’s about grace.
We’ve been delivered from darkness and transferred into His Kingdom. That means we don’t live from defeat; we live from inheritance.

Every act of obedience, every moment of patience, every thank-you whispered in hardship—all of it reflects the Light we’ve received.

4. A Personal Prayer

Father,
I thank You that through Christ, I’ve been delivered from the power of darkness. Fill me today with the knowledge of Your will. Let Your wisdom guide my choices, and let my life reflect Your heart. Strengthen me with Your power when I feel weary. Teach me to walk worthy of You—bearing fruit, growing in grace, and giving thanks with joy.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

5. Journal Reflection

• Which part of Paul’s prayer speaks most to you right now?

• Are there areas of your life where you need to “walk worthy” of His calling?

• Who in your life could you begin praying Colossians 1:9–14 over this week?

Closing Thought

When we pray Scripture, we invite heaven’s language into our daily life.
Colossians 1:9–14 reminds us that spiritual growth begins in prayer—not with fancy words, but with alignment to God’s will. His words strengthen, purify, and steady us as we live in the light of His Kingdom.