For this reason also, since the day we heard this, we haven’t stopped praying for you. We are asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding, 10 so that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him, bearing fruit in every good work and growing in the knowledge of God. May you be strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for all endurance and patience, with joy giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled you to share in the saints’ inheritance in the light. He has rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son He loves. We have redemption, the forgiveness of sins, in Him.
Colossians 1:9-14 HCSB
Student Sunday Lesson – April 5
Warm-up Questions
- Were you taught a particular prayer as a child? What is it? When’s the last time you prayed it?
- How would you rate your current prayer life on a scale of zero to 10, when zero equals “What’s prayer?” and 10 equals “It’s a part of my daily life”?
- Whom do you pray for most? What do you ask God for on their behalf?
Observe Questions
- Read Colossians 1:9. When did Paul start praying for these believers? How frequently did he pray for them? What’s the first specific thing Paul prays for the Colossians in this letter? How does Paul describe the way God will answer this prayer?
- Read verses 10-11. Paul knows prayer works. He lists several anticipated effects in the life of the Colossian believers as a result of his prayer in verse 9. What’s the first result Paul anticipates? What other anticipated effects are listed?
- Read verses 11-12. How does Paul describe the Colossian believers?
Think Questions
- Look again at Paul’s prayer for the Colossians in verses 9-12. What do you think is the most important item for which he prayed? Why?
- What does this passage tell you about the Colossians’ needs and about Paul’s priorities and passions? What’s the most exciting part of Jesus’ mission to rescue us? Why?
- How is Jesus’ mission connected with Paul’s practice of prayer?
- Why do you think Paul spent time writing his prayer to the Colossians rather than merely praying for them? How do you think they might have felt when they read Paul’s prayer?
Apply Questions
- What one insight from Paul’s prayer seems most important to you? Why? What one element of his prayer are you in greatest need of?
- In what area of your life or future do you need “the knowledge of [God’s] will” (verse 9)?
What might hold you back from praying this kind of prayer? - What area of your life needs strengthening so you can “live a life worthy of the Lord” (verse 10)? Have you seen evidence of God’s strength or fruit in your life? How?
Daily Quiet Times
Monday – April 6
Colossians 1:9
- What word or phrase jumps out to you? Why?
- Why do you think Paul asks God to “fill [the Colossians] with the knowledge of God’s will”? Why is this also important in your life?
- Think about the areas of your life that need the direction of God’s will. What are some? Ask God to help you know and do his will.
Tuesday – April 7
Colossians 1:10
- What word or phrase jumps out to you? Why?
- How do you think the Colossians must’ve felt once they read Paul’s prayer for them?
- What are some things God wants you to do or refrain from doing to live in a way that’s pleasing to God?
Wednesday- April 8
Colossians 1:11
- What word or phrase jumps out to you? Why?
- What do you think was the Colossians’ real need as mentioned in Paul’s prayer in this verse? Why?
- How does it make you feel to realize God not only expects you to know and do his will but also wants to give you the power to do it?
Spend time asking God for knowledge and power in areas of your life that are challenging or confusing.
Thursday- April 9
Colossians 1:12
- What word or phrase jumps out to you? Why?
- According to these verses, what privilege is given to believers?
- What does it mean for your life and future to have an inheritance in the family of God?
Friday – April 10
Colossians 1:13
- What word or phrase jumps out to you? Why?
- According to this verse, what two actions has Jesus taken on your behalf? What do you think this shows about Jesus’ concern for you?
- What has Jesus done for you—and how can we respond with thankfulness for this search and rescue?
Saturday – April 11
Colossians 1:14
- What word or phrase jumps out to you? Why?
- Paul says God has provided two amazing benefits for us in Jesus. What are they? Have you experienced them in your life?
- Take time today to thank God for what Jesus has done for you.
If you’ve never done so, ask God for a part in his redemption and forgiveness.