August 17

For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, — Col 1:9 BSB

Some people pray for their friends but only ask for material or temporary blessings—good health, success, or prosperity.

These are fine blessings to ask for, but they aren’t the most important.

Paul, in praying for his friends, asks for the greatest blessings. He prays that they may be filled with the knowledge of God’s will, that they may walk in a way that pleases the Lord, that they may bear fruit in every good work, and that they may grow in their knowledge of God and be strengthened with patience and joy.

Could we pray for anything better for our friends? These are blessings they truly need, and God is eager to give them.

We never have to worry that we are asking for things that will fade away.