We’ve been studying how to pray more effectively based on Colossians 1:3-12. After building up his faith through thanksgiving, verses 3-8, Paul prays that Christians would experience a cycle of growth, verses 9-12. We’ve considered each progressive phase of this cycle of growth: verse 9 – know God’s will, verse 10 – do God’s will, verse 11 – depend on the Holy Spirit to enable you in doing God’s will. The final point in this cycle of growth, verse 12, is to thank God for all the Holy Spirit enables you to do.
Verse 11 ends with the word “joyfully.” As the Holy Spirit provides power to do what you understand is God’s will, joy will fill your heart. This joy is the spring board to thanksgiving: “Joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.”
We don’t qualify for this by our own efforts. God qualifies us by His grace through the ministry of the Holy Spirit. He guides and enlightens us to know God’s will. Then He motivates us to do God’s will. He doesn’t leave us to our own devises, however. He readily enables us in doing God’s will as we depend upon Him. And then He fills us with joyful thanksgiving as God’s will is being fulfilled in our lives. Thanksgiving opens the door for a new round of the cycle of growth to begin. It’s a converging cycle of growth that ever draws us closer to God.
Let me suggest if you want to have an effective prayer life, follow Paul’s example. It’s not easy, but the rewards in answered prayer are worth it.
