Summer Fruit Devotion: Patience Day 4

Praying for Patience

“And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:9-14

Imagine how encouraging it was for the Colossians knowing Paul was constantly praying for their wisdom and work and endurance. Do you think God would say no to these kinds of prayers? People joke that we shouldn’t pray for patience because then we’ll be tested. News Flash! The test is coming and we would do well to be prepared beforehand. So pray for patience. Pray for it for yourself, pray for it for others. Make it a regular part of your prayers. When we pray like Jesus taught, “your kingdom come, your will be done,” we imply that we are waiting for his kingdom to come and waiting for his will to be done. We must wait patiently because God’s timing is perfect. In the meantime He has a will and purpose for us. He gives us strength and wisdom through the Spirit to walk in his will and do the good works he has for us. Hardship will come but we endure and have patience because the light overcomes the darkness and Christ overcomes the world.

Journal time. Make a list of all the things Paul is “asking” for the Colossians. Who can you pray this for? Send that person a text that says something like, ‘The Lord put you on my heart and I’m praying Colossians 1:9-14 for you.’

Pray with me today. Heavenly Father, we are grateful for your word and encouragement it brings to our hearts. Forgive us when we doubt and grow impatient with your promises. Forgive us for relying on our own wisdom instead of seeking your wisdom. Fill us with your knowledge and wisdom and patience with joy. Thank you that through Christ you do forgive our sins, and that you’ve adopted us into your kingdom of light. Help us to live and walk in that light. Let your kingdom come and your will be done in us. In the name of your beloved Son, Jesus, we pray, Amen.