As has been observed many times in many ways by many people, Paul’s prayer in Colossians 1.9-14 is awesome.  He asks for two things, gives seven reasons for the requests, and closes with a doxology – a praise-filled description of the work of our glorious God.

The first request, for the church in Colossae, is that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding.  The purposes for better knowing God’s will, as proclaimed in the Bible, are fourfold, that they would:

– walk in a manner worthy of the Lord

– fully please Him

– bear fruit in every good work

– increase in the knowledge of God.

The reasons work together to provide an increasing God-loop – know His will, obey and please Him, bear fruit, and get a better understanding of who he is, which provides more knowledge of his will. Repeat.

The second request is that youmay be strengthened will all power, according to his glorious might.  The power comes from God, and is meant to provide

– endurance

– patience

– joy

The growth in wisdom, endurance, patience and joy leads to giving thanks to the Father, not just for the growth but for what he has done through Jesus.  He has

– qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light

– delivered us from the domain of darkness

– transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son

– provided us with redemption, the forgiveness of sin.

Paul’s prayer for these disciples is that they would “get it” richly, that they would know abundantly the plethora of blessings provided by their loving Father.   And notice how Paul’s prayer started with YOU pronouns and ends with US pronouns; as we read it, we are included in the blessings!