Psalm - Psalm 6

Psalm 6:9The Lord has heard my supplication; the Lord will receive my prayer.

Heard: to hear intelligently, listen, understand
Supplication: petition for graciousness
Receive: take = carry off, seize
Prayer: intercession

To be heard. Often we just want someone to listen. Just by hearing us, our fears are calmed and are sadness is lessened. 

God Almighty is listening and is HEARING intelligently! Even our thoughts and jumbles words are understood by God! He will take what we say (and think) and seize it so that He can respond in accordance to His Will. 

Psalm 6:9 - I'm being Heard Intelligently! 

1 Thessalonians: Activity Express Gratitude

1 Thessalonians 1:2

We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers,

Give thanks: to be grateful, i.e. (actively) to express gratitude (towards)
Always: evermore
All: means "all" in the sense of "each (every) part that applies. The emphasis of the total picture then is on "one piece at a time. Then focuses on the part(s) making up the whole – viewing the whole in terms of the individual parts.
Mention:  recollection; by implication, recital -- mention, remembrance; a bringing to mind, a mention (recollection); a personal remembrance recalling a particular aspect of a person
Prayers: earnest prayer; addressed to God
https://biblehub.com/interlinear/1_thessalonians/1-2.htm

"Please" and "Thank You". Words that as a child I was reminded to say often. Sadly, in our society today, those words have disappeared. Expressing gratitude is only in fashion in November as we celebrate "Thanksgiving. But that's shortlived as the sales start on Thanksgiving day. We can't even be grateful for what we have for a single day? We have to begin to "get" after a few hours?! 

In 1 Thessalonians 1:2, the focus is not on being grateful for things, but rather people, in particular, the Church in the City of Thessalonica. And as we see from the meaning of the word, "all", but only as an entire group, but EACH individual in that Church. 

Give thanks to God always for you all. 
Stop and think of the people in your life. First, those who live in the same home as you. Next, those with whom you work. Then friends and acquaintances. When was the last time you stopped and thanked God for those whom He has brought into your life? 

Activity express gratitude to God for the people in your life. That's action. And I think a very good challenge! 

Will you accept the challenge of activity expressing gratitude to God for the people in your life? 

The Required Routine for 2018!

He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8

Good: ethical, right

Require: ask for, demand

To Do: accomplish

Justly: attribute of justice, right, rectitude

Love: love

Mercy: kindness (especially as extended to the lowly, needy and miserable)

Walk:  associate, be familiar with

Humbly: keep close, reserve, preserve, retiring, modest, lowly

The Required Routine for 2018 is to:

1. Do justly

2. Love mercy

3. Walk humbly with your God

Each requires -

- a God perspective: what is good, ethical, right?
- an action: do, love, walk.
- a willingness: What does the Lord require?
- a personal relationship: your God

Required Routine - do justly, love mercy,

and walk humbly with your God. 

My prayer is that I can fulfill the required routine in 2018 and beyond. 

Study of Psalm 119. Psalm 119:33-34

This continues the study of Psalm 119.  (Start the series here: http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2017/09/study-of-psalm-119-psalm-1191.html)


God Provides (by Rhonda Sawtelle)

Psalm 119: God's Word....

vs. 33, 34: Provides Application

Teach me, O Lord, the way of Your statutes, and I shall keep it to the end.
Give me understanding, and I shall keep Your law; indeed, I shall observe it with my whole heart. Psalm 119:33-34

Teach. Keep. Give. Keep. Observe. 

Teach: a primitive root; properly, to flow as water (i.e. to rain); transitively, to lay or throw (especially an arrow, i.e. to shoot)
Keep: guard with fidelity, observe
Give: a primitive root; to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e.(generally) understand -- attend, consider, be cunning, diligently, direct, discern
Observe: A primitive root; properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e. guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc. be circumspect 

O Eternal One, show me how to live according to Your statutes, and I will keep them always. Grant me understanding so that I can keep Your law and keep it wholeheartedly. Psalm 119:33, 34 (VOICE)

Teach me, O Lord, the way of Your statutes, and I will [steadfastly] observe it to the end.Give me understanding [a teachable heart and the ability to learn], that I may keep Your law; and observe it with all my heart. Psalm 119:33, 34 (AMP)

A teachable heart and the ability to learn — and apply what is learned. When we study God's Word, we should be learning and with that learning comes the responsibility to act on what we learn. 

A teachable heart and ability to learn. Oh, that would be my prayer each day as I study God's Word. 

Study of Psalm 119. Psalm 119:25

This continues the study of Psalm 119.  (Start the series here: http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2017/09/study-of-psalm-119-psalm-1191.html)

God Provides (by Rhonda Sawtelle)
Psalm 119: God's Word....

vs. 25: Provides Revival & Rejuvenation

My soul clings to the dust; revive me according to Your word. Psalm 119:25

Revive: himself with fulness of life in his favor

According to your word: advice, answer, promise

“Quicken thou me according to thy word. By thy providence put life into my affairs, by thy grace put life into my affections; cure me of my spiritual deadness and make me lively in my devotion.” Note, When we find ourselves dull we must go to God and beg of him to quicken us; he has an eye to God's word as a means of quickening (for the words which God speaks, they are spirit and they are life to those that receive them), and as an encouragement to hope that God would quicken him, having promised grace and comfort to all the saints, and to David in particular. God's word must be our guide and plea in every prayer. (Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on the Bible)

Find yourself discouraged? We find joy, peace, and comfort in God and His Word. 

Amazing Prayer

As I was studying Galatians 5;22, 23, I decided to see what other verses used the same words.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV)

Goodness: beyond being good — doing good

Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power,  that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 (NKJV)

Pray: with a specific result in mind

Count you worthy: matching value to actual substance – i.e. worth as it corresponds to reality

Fulfill: to make complete in every particular; to render perfect

All: any and every, of every kind

Good pleasures: delight, pleasure, satisfaction: with the genitive of the thing that pleases

Goodness: uprightness of heart and life; beyond being good — doing good

Work:  the course of conduct which springs from faith

Power: "inherent power, power residing in a thing by virtue of its nature, or which a person or thing exerts and puts forth"

Glorified: viewed in high, personal esteem, befitting great (intrinsic) worth

According to:  in consequence of, by virtue of

Grace: "the merciful kindness by which God, exerting his holy influence upon souls, turns them to Christ, keeps, strengthens, increases them in Christian faith, knowledge, affection, and kindles them to the exercise of the Christian virtues"

http://biblehub.com/interlinear/2_thessalonians/1-11.htm

That is why [To that end; In this regard] we always pray for you, asking our God to ·help you live the kind of life he called you to live [make/consider you worthy of his calling]. We pray that with his power God will ·help you do the good things you want [ fulfill every desire for goodness] and ·perform the works that come from your [every work of] faith.  We pray all this so that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ will ·have glory [be glorified] in you, and you ·will have glory in him [ in him]. That glory comes from the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 (EXB)

What an amazing prayer. A prayer with a specific RESULT in mind. A prayer that one's faith be real, evident and truly lived. A prayer that I need to pray for myself and others. A prayer where the results are possible, because of God's goodness! 

Psalm 119:18 My Prayer

Open my eyes, that I may see Wondrous things from Your law.Psalm 119:18 NKJV

Open: denude, uncover

See: look intently at, to regard with pleasure, have respect

Wondrous: to be surpassing, extraordinary

Law: Torah, precept or statute

How often do I read Scripture, with my eyes covered? Covered by my ideas of what Scripture should mean. Covered by my limited understanding of a holy God. Covered by my selective memory and opinion. Covered by my circumstances. Covered by my sin.

How often do I read Scripture with a prayer that my eyes would be "denude" so that I can see God's Truth? How often do I read scripture looking intently with respect at what God says?

How often do I see God's extraordinary, surpassing anything I could image..... truth in Scripture?

How often, when I do see the extraordinary truth, do I let it impact my life?

My prayer...... Open my eyes, that I may see Wondrous things from Your law. Psalm 119:18

Thanks Living: Actively Expressing Gratitude

We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers. 1 Thessalonians 1:2

Give thanks: actively to express gratitude

Always: at all times, evermore

For you: consideration where "all the bases are covered"

Making mention: as often as I remember you; literally, 'on all my remembrance'

Prayers: earnest prayer

People—World.

The world is full of people. Some we see on a regular basis. Some we know. Some we pass by. And others we interact with in varying degrees. Family. Friends. Acquaintances. Neighbors. 

People—Introduction.

Introduction based on commonality.

Back: Lately I've meet people because I wear a back brace. Several people have stopped me to ask about my back and what has helped, or what I had done as they are seeking answers for their own back issues.

Faith: I have the privilege of attending a great church. It's been exciting over the past year to meet various people and become engaged in some of their lives. 

Problems: Due to a fence that needs to be replaced, I've had the opportunity to get to know my neighbor more and meet some contractors. Often problems introduce us to people as we work for a common solution. 

Serving: Often we neglect this aspect of people. We are often so busy on what others can do for us, we neglect that we are to be serving others. Helping and encouraging others usually ends up being a blessing for the "server" as well as the recipient. 

I keep thinking about "actively to express gratitude"—to God for people. As I think about the people in my life, WOW, am I ever blessed! Thanks Living is recognizing the people that are in my life and actively expressing my gratitude to God for them—and making sure I say "thanks" to those individuals who are part of my life.

We give thanks to God always for you all. 

Actively expressing gratitude, making sure all bases are covered—not leaving out who and/or what was done. Actively expressing gratitude to God for people.

As there is much that we ought to be thankful for on the behalf of ourselves and our friends, so there is much occasion of constant prayer for further supplies of good. Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on the Bible

Thanks Living is recognizing who God brings into our lives, and taking time to "actively to express gratitude"—to God for them. 

Thanks Living: For You

We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers. 1 Thessalonians 1:2

Give thanks: to be grateful, actively to express gratitude

Always: at all times, always, ever

Making: to do

Mention: be mindful of, remind oneself actively (purposefully); actively bring to mind

Prayers: earnest prayer

For you. 

People impact our lives on a daily bases. Some frustrate us. Some encourage us. And some bless us beyond measure. And EACH one can be used by God to teach us something about Him and living a life pleasing to Him. 

For you.

First, we see from Paul's example, that we are to Give Thanks for others. Say Thank you to God for introducing us to others. Introducing us to those that encourage us and those that teach us. 

Lastly, Paul gives us the example of how we express our thanks to God, through prayer. And not just a "thank you God." and then forget it. Rather this is an EARNEST prayer. 

Earnest: serious in intention, purpose, or effort; sincerely

Praying with intention and purpose. Making a point to thank God for each person that God introduces us to. 

For you.

Thanks Living is praying intentionally for each person God brings into our lives. Give thanks to God for each one, and pray intentionally for each person. That is not only the right thing to do, it's a blessing to uphold others before our great God! 

For you. 

Give thanks and pray intentionally for others—that is the right thing to do when living a life of Thanks Living! 

God blesses. I am to bless.

Ruth 2:18-23

After a day of hard work, Ruth returned home to Namoi and shared all that had happened. I love Naomi's responses. First, she blessed the man who noticed Ruth, and was kind to her. Then she said,  "Blessed be he of the Lord who has not ceased his kindness." Then she asked where Ruth had gleaned. 

I wonder the look of astonishment on Naomi's face. Boaz, the nearest kinsman, who rightfully was to care for Naomi and her family. Out of all the fields, Ruth could have ended up in—she was in one that belonged to Boaz. That was not by luck, rather it was purely designed by God. 

As I look back over my life, I am so thankful for God's leading and direction. He made sure that I was in the "right place" at the "right time". I'm so thankful for the people He introduced me to, that have blessed me along the way. And I'm so thankful that those people acted in accordance with God's will. 

I have been blessed by God, by people who have been wiling to be blessings.

It makes me stop and think:

• Am I willing to be used by God to bless others?

• Am I acting on those promptings from God, when He wants me to help or encourage someone?

• Am I first of all thanking God for His goodness, and then thanking those who are sharing God's blessing with me? 

God blesses. We in turn are to bless others. We are to be thankful to God, for His blessings. We are to be thankful to those who bless us. 

When my heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG), I will be ready to accept God's blessings, and in turn I'll be ready to share those blessings with others. My prayer is that I'll be a blessing and encouragement and that I'll never take for granted the blessings God has given me. 

Living + Effectual = Acknowledging God

If you are looking for the posts about

God's Amazing Blessing Announcement—I'm moving!

here's the link to the first Part: 

http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2015/05/announcement-part-1-im-moving.html

Then follow the arrows at the bottom of each post to the next Part.

There are 10 parts in all.

I recommend that you read each part, there are amazing details—

and God took care of each and every one! 

______________________________________________

This post is the continuation of my study of Philemon. 

[And I pray] that the participation in and sharing of your faith may produce and promote full recognition and appreciation and understanding and precise knowledge of every good [thing] that is ours in [our identification with] Christ Jesus [and unto His glory].

Philemon 1:6 (AMP)

That the communication of thy faith: An account of it, of its actings and exercises, of the joy of it, and of the peace a soul is filled with through believing, may be given to the mutual comfort and edification of saints; and it may be shown forth to others by the fruits of it, works of righteousness: but here it seems to design acts of beneficence, communicating to the necessities of others, as flowing from faith; and these words are to be connected with Philemon 1:4 as a part of the apostle's prayers, as what is contained in the preceding verse is the matter of his thanksgiving. And his prayer is, that such a communication of good things, which springs from faith, 

may be effectual: to answer some very good purposes, the good of others, and the service of the interest of Christ, and the glory of God; or, that it "may be evident"; that it "may be fruitful in works"; or show itself in fruits of righteousness, in works of mercy and kindness; and the apostle's sense is, that it might be more and more so: 

by the acknowledging of every good thing that is in you in Christ Jesus: the meaning is, that every good thing that is in the saints, or among them, should be acknowledged to come to them in and through Christ Jesus, in whom all fulness of grace dwells, and from whom all is imparted; and that every good thing that is communicated, or done in faith, which is effectual to any good purpose, should be owned as done by the grace and strength of Christ, and be done to his saints, as if done to himself, and be directed to his glory.

John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible

Talking about and living one's faith should be effectual and evident, resulting in acknowledge that God is the One who blesses us with grace. And this is only possible when my heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). 

Diligent & Evidence

If you are looking for the posts about

God's Amazing Blessing Announcement—I'm moving!

here's the link to the first Part: 

http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2015/05/announcement-part-1-im-moving.html

Then follow the arrows at the bottom of each post to the next Part.

There are 10 parts in all.

I recommend that you read each part, there are amazing details—

and God took care of each and every one! 

______________________________________________

This post is the continuation of my study of Philemon. 

I give thanks to my God for you always when I mention you in my prayers,

Because I continue to hear of your love and of your loyal faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and [which you show] toward all the saints (God’s consecrated people).

Philemon 1:4, 5 (AMP)

Paul once again mentions that he is praying for others. This such an important aspect in the Christian life, but so often neglected. I also like the fact that Paul lets others know that he is praying for them. What a great encouragement that is; to know someone is praying for you. 

Thanks to God:

A prayerful heart is keenly appreciative of the least evidence of Christian excellence, and joyfully thanks God as the Source and Giver of all good. Prayer and gratitude are usually blended together. 

Preacher's Complete Homiletical Commentary

Word travels fast... and even faster today with the internet! Paul continued to hear about the faith and love demonstrated. What a great thing to hear about another person; love and loyal faith! 

Love and Faith:

This faith embodies the theoretic principles of Christian life, while this love for saints embodies these principles on their practical side. Like heart and lungs in the body, each has its own functions; and, though separate, the one never acts apart from the other--life being the combined play of both. Faith binds to all Christian verities, translating them into personal convictions; while love binds to all Christian motives, translating these into personal activities--love being well called the daughter of faith and the mother of virtue and good works. A. H. Drysdale, M. A.

Am I praying diligently for others? Am I encouraging them, by telling them I'm praying for them? 

What are others hearing about me? Are they hearing about my love and loyal faith to God? Is the love I have for God evident to those around me? 

A heart that is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG), will cause one to be diligent in prayer, and there will be evidence of a love for God in his/her life. 

Prayer a Priority

If you are looking for the posts about

God's Amazing Blessing

Announcement—I'm moving!

here's the link to the first Part: 

http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2015/05/announcement-part-1-im-moving.html

Then follow the arrows at the bottom of each post to the next Part.

There are 10 parts in all.

I recommend that you read each part, there are amazing details—

and God took care of each and every one! 

______________________________________________

This post is the continuation of my Study of Colossians.

For I bear him testimony that he has labored hard in your behalf and for [the believers] in Laodicea and those in Hierapolis. Colossians 4:13 (AMP)

Paul continues to talk about Epaphras (vs 12, the prayer warrior). 

For I bear him record: The apostle (Paul) was an eye and ear witness of his fervent prayers, his labour of love, and zealous affection for these saints and others; and therefore, as he judged he ought, he bears a testimony for him,

that he hath a great zeal for you: for their spiritual welfare, that the Gospel might continue with them, and they in that, against false teachers, and their attempts to subvert them; that they might grow in the grace of the Gospel, and walk worthy of it, and be at peace among themselves:

and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis: here were many believers, for whom Epaphras had a like zeal and affections as for the Colossians, and to whom very likely he had been useful, either in conversion or edification, or both. John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible

What an awesome testimony to have—a prayer warrior who has labored hard, who is zealous affection for other christians, and who makes prayer a priority. 

I often wonder what our Churches and Nation would be like, if we each were a bit more like Epaphras. If we made deep spiritual prayer a priority. If we went beyond the "get well", "feel better" surface prayers, and prayed earnestly for maturity and confidence in knowing God's will. 

Making prayer a priority and laboring hard on the behalf of believers—begins when my heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG).

Prayer Warrior

If you are looking for the posts about

God's Amazing Blessing

Announcement—I'm moving!

here's the link to the first Part: 

http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2015/05/announcement-part-1-im-moving.html

Then follow the arrows at the bottom of each post to the next Part.

There are 10 parts in all.

I recommend that you read each part, there are amazing details—

and God took care of each and every one! 

______________________________________________

This post is the continuation of my Study of Colossians.

Epaphras, who is one of yourselves, a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. [He is] always striving for you earnestly in his prayers, [pleading] that you may [as persons of ripe character and clear conviction] stand firm andmature [in spiritual growth], convinced and fully assured in everything willed by God. Colossians 4:12 (AMP)

Prayer Warrior. Epaphras, was a man who prayed and not just "superficial" prayers. But specifically for the spiritual well-being of the Colossians. 

Prayer is vital in the Christian life. First personally praying, then praying for others. Often we neglect this unique and powerful opportunity God has given us. We can enter into the Throne of Grace at anytime to talk with God Almighty. We can share our thoughts, our hurts, our questions, our joys, our disappointments, our blessings—we can share it all with God. As we talk with God, our hearts need to be open to hearing and learning what God's will is regarding a situation. 

Praying for others, being a Prayer Warrior, is a ministry which we EACH can do. And not just "get well" or "help so-and-so", but deep spiritual prayers one for another. 

Epaphras focused on the character of the person. That goes back to Colossians 3:1-17 "put on". He then prayed that each person would KNOW God's Truth and His will acting in accordance with that knowledge. That's the substance of a true Prayer Warrior's conversation with God. 

It's been almost 15 years since I injured my back. And I have heard, more times than I can count, "I prayed that you'd be healed." or "I prayed for less pain." And I'm thankful that God is hearing my name. However, in that 15 years, I have rarely heard that "I prayed for your spiritual well-being." Or "I prayed that you would grow in God's grace as you live in pain." 

Praying for the physical well-being is not a bad thing, but it's only part of the person. Praying for the spiritual well-being is vital. Look at what Epaphras prayed (vs 12). 

He prays for your spiritual journey, that you will continue to mature and stand tall in the kind of confidence that comes from knowing God’s will. Colossians 4:12 (VOICE)

Maturity and confidence from knowing God's will. As we each mature and gain confidence in knowing God's will, our lives will change and we will be able to handle the journey God has for us—no matter what that journey is. 

If I want my prayer life to move from the surface prayers to deep conversations with God, and if I want to be a true Prayer Warrior, my heart must be permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). 

Opportunity

If you are looking for the posts about

God's Amazing Blessing

Announcement—I'm moving!

here's the link to the first Part: 

http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2015/05/announcement-part-1-im-moving.html

Then follow the arrows at the bottom of each post to the next Part.

There are 10 parts in all.

I recommend that you read each part, there are amazing details—

and God took care of each and every one! 

______________________________________________

This post is the continuation of my Study of Colossians.    

And at the same time pray for us also, that God may open a door to us for the Word (the Gospel), to proclaim the mystery concerning Christ (the Messiah) on account of which I am in prison; That I may proclaim it fully and make it clear [speak boldly and unfold that mystery], as is my duty. 

Colossians 4:3, 4 (AMP)

Paul is asking for specific prayer support. Paul knows the importance of having prayer support as he traveled preaching the gospel. He also knew the "dangers" of preaching, as he ended up in prison several times. He wanted to make sure he saw and opened every possible door to share God's grace with any and all who would listen.

Open a door: Translate "door of utterance", signifies an occasion, opportunity, or entrance, for the doctrine of the Gospel.

The mystery of Christ: The Gospel, which had been hidden from all former times, and which revealed that purpose long hidden in the Divine councils, that the Gentiles should be called to enjoy the same privileges with the Jews.

That I may proclaim it fully: It was a mystery, and he wished to make it manifest - to lay it open, and make all men see it.

Adam Clarke Commentary

Colossians 4: 3, 4 are relevant to each Christian today. We each have a responsibility to share God's truth this each and everyone with whom we have contact. We are to be aware of the opportunities that God presents and use each opportunity to be a testimony for Christ. 

We also need to be praying specifically for each other that we will each have the courage to share about God's love and grace. 

When my heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG), then God's grace and love will shine forth in all I do and say. When I have a reverence for God, I want to honor Him and make full used of each opportunity to share His Gospel.

A Constant Consciousness

If you are looking for the posts about

God's Amazing Blessing

Announcement—I'm moving!

here's the link to the first Part: 

http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2015/05/announcement-part-1-im-moving.html

Then follow the arrows at the bottom of each post to the next Part.

There are 10 parts in all.

I recommend that you read each part, there are amazing details—

and God took care of each and every one! 

______________________________________________

This post is the continuation of my Study of Colossians.    

Be earnest and unwearied and steadfast in your prayer [life], being [both] alert and intent in [your praying] with thanksgiving. Colossians 4:2 (AMP)

Continue steadfastly:
The Christian life, then, ought to be one of unbroken prayer.
What manner of prayer can that be which is to be continuous through a life that must needs be full of toil on outward things? 

What is prayer? Not the utterance of words-they are but the vehicle; but the attitude of the spirit. Communion, aspiration, and submission, these three are the elements of prayer-and these three may be diffused through a life. There may be unbroken communion, a constant consciousness of God’s presence, and of our contact with Him, thrilling through our souls and freshening them. 

In like manner, there may be a continual, unspoken and unbroken presence of the second element of prayer, which is aspiration, or desire after God. The very deepest cry of the heart which understands its own yearnings is for the living God; and perpetual as the hunger of the spirit for the food which will stay its profound desires, will be the prayer, though it may often be voiceless, of the soul which knows where alone that food is.
Continual too may be our submission to His will, which is an essential of all prayer.
Our lives will then be noble and grave, and woven into a harmonious unity, when they are based upon continual communion with, continual desire after, and continual submission to, God.

This continual prayer is to be "with thanksgiving"
Every prayer should be blended with gratitude. The sense of need, or the consciousness of sin, may evoke "strong crying and tears," but the completest prayer rises confident from a grateful heart, which weaves memory into hope, and asks much because it has received much. A true recognition of the loving kindness of the past has much to do with making our communion sweet, our desires believing, our submission cheerful. Thankfulness is the feather that wings the arrow of prayer-the height from which our souls rise most easily to the sky.
Expositor's Bible Commentary

A constant consciousness of God’s presence and a grateful heart, begins with a heart that is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). 

Purpose of Praying

[For my concern is] that their hearts may be braced (comforted, cheered, and encouraged) as they are knit together in love, that they may come to have all the abounding wealth and blessings of assured conviction of understanding, and that they may become progressively more intimately acquainted with and may know more definitely and accurately and thoroughly that mystic secret of God, [which is] Christ (the Anointed One). Colossians 2:2. 3 (AMP)

The past two posts were about "What Do I pray?" focusing on Colossians 2:2. 

(What Do I Pray? and What Do I Pray? Part 2) The end of Colossians 2 and verse 3 focus on the purpose of praying.

"that they may become progressively more intimately acquainted" 

A deep knowledge and relationship.

But not just random knowledge, rather a intimately acquainted knowledge and relationship with God, His plan and His Son, Jesus Christ. 

Paul is praying specifically that the Colossians would know Truth not just to have head knowledge, but rather to purposefully become intimately aquatinted with God and His amazing grace and mercy. What a great prayer to first personally pray, and then pray for others. 

If I truly want to become intimately aquatinted with God, it begins when my heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31; MSG).

What Do I Pray? Part 2

[For my concern is] that their hearts may be braced (comforted, cheered, and encouraged) as they are knit together in love, that they may come to have all the abounding wealth and blessings of assured conviction of understanding, and that they may become progressively more intimately acquainted with and may know more definitely and accurately and thoroughly that mystic secret of God, [which is] Christ (the Anointed One). Colossians 2:2 (AMP)

"that they may come to have all the abounding wealth and blessings of assured conviction of understanding" (AMP)

"rich in their ·understanding [ assurance of understanding]" (EXB)

There is a progression in this prayer that Paul has for the Colossians. First, that they be comforted and encouraged as they are knit together in the God's love. Once that foundation is laid, then each person can then come to a clear insightful understanding accompanied with blessings of understanding of the Gospel. 

Clear insight. Abounding wealth and blessings—not based on things but rather based on a solid foundation of understanding the saving grace of God. 

• Only with a solid foundation, is it possible to withstand the storms of everyday life.

• Only with a solid foundation, is it possible to have discernment of Truth.

• Only with a solid foundation is it possible to enjoy fellowship and friendship with God. 

What a great prayer to pray for others, that they will may have abounding wealth and blessing of assurance of the saving grace of God! Wow! 

And understanding of conviction starts with a heart permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31; MSG).

What Do I Pray?

[For my concern is] that their hearts may be braced (comforted, cheered, and encouraged) as they are knit together in love, that they may come to have all the abounding wealth and blessings of assured conviction of understanding, and that they may become progressively more intimately acquainted with and may know more definitely and accurately and thoroughly that mystic secret of God, [which is] Christ (the Anointed One). Colossians 2:2 (AMP)

Prayer. 

How often do we say, "I'll pray for you."? First, do we really pray? And secondly, what do we pray? 

Often the focus of our prayers is for the person to "get well" or their situation to "get better". But how often do we for the spiritual soul of the person? 

On my May 3rd I posted about Colossians 1:11 (Overwhelmed with Joy). Paul didn't pray that the situation would get better, but rather that through the situation the believers would know God's strength and joy. 

God supplied-strength results in not just enduring and muddling through a situation, but rather enduring it being overwhelmed with joy!

Colossians 2:2 shares another focus for prayer, rather than just "get well". The focus here is that first and foremost that their hearts would be encouraged. HOW? As they are knit together in LOVE. That is not the "feely, gushy" love. Rather this "love" is directly from God. It's unconditional love based on God's grace and mercy. 

I give you a new commandment: that you should love one another. Just as I have loved you, so you too should love one another. John 13:34 (AMP)

How often do I pray that "your heart is encouraged as you are knit together in love"? For really being knit together in God's love creates a unbreakable bond and provides the security that allows each to be encouraged and comforted. 

First, I must myself be accepting of God's love, so that I can love others. And loving God begins when I am permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31; MSG).

And lastly, as I pray for others, I want to move beyond the physical and address the spiritual, so that the individual can know God's strength and joy in the midst of the situation. 

True Bond

For I want you to know how great is my solicitude for you [how severe an inward struggle I am engaged in for you] and for those [believers] at Laodicea, and for all who [like yourselves] have never seen my face and known me personally. Colossians 2:1 (AMP)

The Question: Why would someone have great concern for others, when he had never met them? 

The answer: "Those believers."  

The bond of true Christians is not based on if we go to the same church, or if we live in the some community, or even the same state. The true bond of Christians is Jesus Christ. And that bond makes miles disappear and unites people all over the world. 

The internet has made our world much smaller, in that we can have instant access to other Continents. It wasn't that long ago, where we'd have to wait months to receive a letter from around the world. Now, we wait seconds. 

With the instant access of the World at out grasp, the question then is: Am I using it to draw closer to other believers? Am I using it to encourage them? 

Paul had great concern for other believers, even those he never met. If I am to have that same concern, it begins in my heart. And for my heart to beat with the love and concern for others, it must be permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG).