Prayers for Christians

Published: 8 June 2026

Preacher: Pastor John Khng
Text: Colossians 1:9–14
Theme: Pray for one another the way Paul prayed for the Colossian Christians.

Filled With the Knowledge of God's Will

Paul prayed that the Colossian believers might “be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding” (Colossians 1:9).

The word “knowledge” here carries the idea of full discernment. Discernment is the ability to recognize, distinguish, and understand what is not always immediately obvious. It is the ability to judge well, especially in delicate or complex situations. Spiritually, it is the ability to tell right from wrong and to understand whether something is in line with the will of God.

This discernment is not based on our own thoughts, experience, feelings, or opinions. It is based on the Word of God. If we are to know God's will, we must study God's Word.

First, we must be assured that it is possible to know God's will. Paul would not have prayed this prayer if it were impossible. In Ephesians 5:17, the Bible says:

“Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.”

A wise person seeks to understand and do the will of God. In Romans 12:2, we are told:

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

The word “prove” means to test, examine, and discover for ourselves. As we obey God, we come to see that His will is good, acceptable, and perfect. Sometimes we may not immediately see why God's way is best. But when we trust and obey Him, we discover that His will is always good for us.

Paul himself lived with this attitude. In Romans 15:32, he said:

“That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed.”

Paul wanted to visit the Christians in Rome, but he submitted his plans to the will of God. This is how every Christian should live. When we say, “God willing,” we should not use it lightly or as an excuse. It should express true surrender. We should mean, “I desire to do this, but I submit my plans to God's will.”

Paul also began Colossians by saying:

“Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother.” Colossians 1:1

Paul was confident that his calling was by the will of God. In the same way, we should desire to know that what we are doing is in the will of God, whether in our work, studies, family, ministry, discipleship, or service in the church. If we know we are where God wants us to be, then we can do our best for His glory.

God Has Revealed His Will in the Bible

How do we know God's will? God has revealed His will to us in the Bible.

Second Timothy 3:16-17 says:

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God. The Bible is God-breathed. It is not merely the word of man; it is the Word of God. Therefore, we must approach it with reverence. God's Word is authoritative, final, and true. God makes no mistakes. When He speaks, He means what He says.

The Word of God does four things for us.

First, it gives us doctrine. It teaches us what is true and what we must believe.

Second, it gives us reproof. It convicts us of what is false and wrong.

Third, it gives us correction. It brings us back to right belief, right thinking, and right living.

Fourth, it gives us instruction in righteousness. It trains us so that we may continue walking in the way that pleases God.

The Christian life is like walking on the path of righteousness. As we walk, we may stumble, make mistakes, or sin against God. The Word of God reproves us and shows us where we have gone wrong. It corrects us and brings us back to the right path. Then it trains us to continue walking faithfully so that we do not stray again.

There are many voices in the world today. The internet, news, social media, and even religious teachers may confuse us. How do we know what is true? How do we know what is false? How do we know whether a doctrine is right or wrong? We must return to the Word of God. It is our responsibility to study the Scriptures and to discern truth according to what God has revealed.

Know God's Commands

To know God's will, we must first know God's commands in the Bible.

Deuteronomy 5:32-33 says:

“Ye shall observe to do therefore as the LORD your God hath commanded you: ye shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left. Ye shall walk in all the ways which the LORD your God hath commanded you, that ye may live, and that it may be well with you, and that ye may prolong your days in the land which ye shall possess.”

God commands us to obey Him and not to turn aside to the right hand or to the left. His commandments are not grievous or burdensome. They are given for our good, so that we may live, that it may be well with us, and that our days may be prolonged according to His will.

For example, 2 Corinthians 6:14 says:

“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers…”

This is a command. It applies especially to marriage, because marriage is a lifelong union between a man and a woman. A believer should not marry an unbeliever. If the person is not a believer, there is no need to pray as though God might make an exception. God has already spoken.

First Thessalonians 4:3 also says:

“For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication.”

This is clear. God's will is holiness. A couple should not live together as though married when they are not married. God's Word is plain. We must obey His commands.

Know God's Counsel

Second, to know God's will, we must know God's counsel in the Bible. God's counsel reveals the mind of the Lord.

Romans 11:34 says:

“For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor?”

This verse humbles us. No one can fully comprehend God's thoughts. No one can advise God. His wisdom is infinite. His ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts.

We cannot figure out God's mind as though we were equal with Him. Instead, we must humbly receive what He has revealed in His Word. Psalm 16:7 says:

“I will bless the LORD, who hath given me counsel…”

Can we say that? Can we say, “The Lord has given me counsel”? We can, if we go to His Word and allow Him to guide us.

The Holy Spirit also helps us understand God's Word. In John 14:26, the Lord Jesus said:

“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost… he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”

The Holy Spirit is actively involved in the life of the believer. He teaches us, guides us, and brings God's Word to remembrance. Therefore, when we study the Bible, we must pray for the Spirit's help.

Know God's Promises and Principles

Third, we must know the promises and principles in the Bible.

God has given many promises to encourage us. Isaiah 40:31 says:

“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength…”

Waiting upon the Lord is not a waste of time. It is a time of strengthening. When we do not know what to do, we must continue to pray, study God's Word, and wait upon Him.

Second Corinthians 12:9 gives another promise:

“My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.”

God gave this promise to Paul when he asked the Lord to remove his thorn in the flesh. We may also claim this promise in our difficulties. God's grace is sufficient for us. His strength is made perfect in our weakness.

The Bible also gives us principles for life. Proverbs 12:22 says:

“Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.”

This teaches the principle of honesty. It is not always easy to be honest. Sometimes honesty costs us something. But we must live by God's principles and leave the outcome to Him.

Know God's Warnings and Examples

Fourth, we must know the warnings and examples in the Bible.

Acts 20:31 says:

“Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.”

Paul warned the Ephesian elders because dangers would come. False teachers would arise. Wrong doctrine would threaten the church. The Bible contains many warnings, and we must take heed.

First Thessalonians 5:14 says:

“Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.”

We must warn, comfort, support, and be patient. This is not easy, but it is God's instruction for the church.

First Corinthians 10:6 and 10:11 tell us that the things written in Scripture are examples and admonitions for us. We must learn from those who walked before us. Some examples are good and should be followed. Others are warnings, showing us what to avoid.

When we obey God's Word, we are doing God's will, and God will continue to show us His will.

Wisdom and Spiritual Understanding

Paul prayed that believers would be filled with the knowledge of God's will “in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.”

God is the source of wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. Proverbs 2:6 says:

“For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.”

If we lack wisdom, we must pray. James 1:5 says:

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”

We need divine guidance. We need wisdom from God. Whether we are asking, “What must I do to be saved?” or “Should I take this job?” or “Should I marry this person?” or “How can I become spiritually mature?” we must look to the Word of God.

Apply God's commands. Obedience to His Word brings clarity.

Apply God's counsel. Seek wisdom from Scripture and godly counsel.

Look for God's promises and principles. Trust His promises and live by His principles.

Take heed to the warnings and examples in the Bible. Learn from those who walked before us.

Seeking Divine Guidance

To summarise, when seeking God's will, consider these five things — a pattern attributed to George Müller.

First, surrender to the will of God. Are you consecrated to Him? Are you willing to do His will?

Second, study the Scriptures with the help of the Holy Spirit. Do not depend on your own wisdom.

Third, pray specifically. Bring your decisions before the Lord.

Fourth, look at the circumstances. Are they in line with God's Word? Circumstances must never contradict clear commands of Scripture.

Fifth, seek the peace of God. Do you have inner peace about the matter, or is there something troubling your heart?

If these things line up together, you may have confidence that the Lord is guiding you. If something does not line up, wait upon the Lord. Do not rush ahead. Let God direct you.

Colossians 1:9 teaches us to pray that Christians would be filled with the knowledge of God's will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding. This is one of the most important things we can pray for one another: that we may live lives doing the will of God.

“And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it…” Isaiah 30:21

Main Lessons

1. Pray for one another the way Paul prayed — for spiritual growth and knowledge of God's will, not merely material things.
2. It is possible to know God's will, and God has revealed it in His Word.
3. The Word of God gives doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness.
4. To know God's will, know His commands, His counsel, His promises and principles, and His warnings and examples.
5. God is the source of wisdom — ask Him when you lack wisdom.
6. When seeking guidance: surrender, study Scripture, pray, examine circumstances, and seek God's peace.
7. Obedience to God's Word brings clarity. Do not rush ahead; wait upon the Lord.

Closing Prayer

Lord, teach us to pray as Paul prayed. Fill us with the knowledge of Your will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding. Help us to walk worthy of You, to be fruitful in every good work, and to grow in the knowledge of God. Strengthen us with all might according to Your glorious power. We thank You for making us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light. In Jesus' name, Amen.