My nephew and I were hanging out in the backyard a few days ago. It was a beautiful day and I decided I would monopolize on this rare occasion to spend one-on-one time with him. Normally, we are surrounded by family but it was just him and I. I adore this little guy and I was enjoying every minute of our interaction. I decided we wouldn’t just play, but we would talk. He obliged to my line of questioning with honest answers; he was genuinely engaged. When he mentioned his favorite color is blue, it lead us into a discussion about the sky which lead to a discussion about who created the sky. He knew it was God. This was the beginning of our dialogue about God. Among other things, I shared with him that God created him with a unique purpose in mind. I used words he would understand as he is five years old (soon to be six!) I explained he should ask God what he was created to do and I even gave him the words to use. I wanted him to know, he can talk to God and God would answer him!

In essence, I was teaching him about prayer. Prayer connects us to God in an intimate and personal way. It is in those moments we gain clarity about what we should do next and we also find the comfort we may need. It is a conversation between Him and us.

As we purpose to do what God created us to do, WE CANNOT NEGLECT PRAYER! Many of you know all these things I have just shared but it always good to be reminded. I love how the Bible provides examples of how we ought to pray. I was recently reading in the book of Colossians where Paul tells the church in Colossae how he prays for them. I believe he provides a great framework around how we should pray for ourselves and for one another. I shared a portion of it below:

9 So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of His will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. 10 Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better. 11 We also pray that you will be strengthened with all His glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, 12 always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light. Colossians 1:9-12 NLT

These verses are so rich! I could probably write pages and pages of what comes to mind as I read this passage but I won’t. I will share a few thoughts.

Paul prayed for them to have complete knowledge of God’s will. To walk in purpose, we must know what God’s plan is so we can play our part in it. Paul also prayed they would have spiritual wisdom and understanding. I believe this speaks to having God’s mindset and insight when approaching all situations and circumstances in life. We cannot look at things from our limited perspectives because we do not see the big picture. We must rely on God to give us wisdom and the good news is He is willing and able to give it! As we gain wisdom and understanding, and learn His will, it moves us to live a life that honors and pleases God. We choose to live this way because we have revelation of who God is and who He has created us to be. We choose to live this way because we love Him and we recognize His amazing love for us! We become fruitful in our lives because we are allowing God to mold us, shape us, and lead us. Our relationship with Him will grow daily and we will “learn to know God better and better.”

Paul also prayed they would walk in God’s strength and power so they have all the endurance and patience they need for whatever may come their way. Burn out happens when we try to live this life in our own strength. The truth is, we can’t do it! He also prayed they would have an abundance of joy. Joy is an important component in this equation because the joy of the Lord is our strength! Do you see the connection?

Lastly, Paul reminded them to have thankful hearts towards God the Father. It is because of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross we are able to have this relationship with God the Father and we have access to all the benefits of being God’s kids.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for the gift of salvation through Jesus that grants me access to You. It is my desire to know you better and better. Give me eyes to see You and ears to hear You. I ask for complete knowledge of Your will. Grant me spiritual wisdom and understanding in all things. Help me to live a life that pleases You and brings You honor. Grant me strength by Your glorious power that I may be able to do all You have planned for me to do. Thank you for joy. I am asking for a fresh outpouring of Your joy over my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Until Next Time,

Live Audaciously!

Kay Naomi