Beyond the Weekend: Powerful Prayers
Powerful Prayers A 7-Week Series | May 10–June 21
What does it really mean to pray?
Prayer is one of those things most people think about but aren't sure they're doing right. Is God actually listening? Does it matter what you say? Does prayer even work?
This series digs into some of the most powerful prayers in the Bible. From the Lord's Prayer to Daniel's cry in a crisis, we'll see what happens when ordinary people bring their real lives to God.
Whether you've prayed your whole life or you're not even sure God is real, this series is for you.
Bearing Fruit
Read: Colossians 1:1-14
Listen: Colossians 1
We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work. Colossians 1:9b-10a
Paul writes to a church he has never visited. Epaphras, one of the Colossians' own, traveled to Paul with an update on the young congregation (Colossians 1:7-8). The Colossian church faces cultural pressure to add to Jesus, to blend him with other philosophies and religious practices. Paul responds not with argument alone but starts with prayer. He tells them he has not stopped praying for them, asking God that they would live a life worthy of Jesus and please him in every way, bearing fruit in every good work.
Praying for a worthy life is something we can do for the people we love, too. Like a healthy tree loaded with fruit, a healthy faith produces fruit. In another letter, Paul names what that fruit is: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22–23). Fruit is character shaped by the Holy Spirit that grows us to look more like Jesus. A fruitful life nourishes others and is not just for our benefit alone. It impacts marriages, friendships, workplaces, and neighborhoods for the sake of the gospel and God’s glory. This is the kind of life that honors God’s name and pleases him.
PRAYER DAY #43: Think of one person you love and want to see live a worthy life—a friend, family member, small group member, coworker, or neighbor. Pray this prayer for them: “Father, grow your character in _________. May they live a worthy life that pleases you, bearing fruit in every good work.”
How have you been growing in prayer throughout this 50 Days of Prayer challenge? We would love to hear. Please share a sentence or two with us HERE.
