Devotion 17 March 2026

"I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people" (1 Timothy 2:1)

READING: Colossians 1: 9-14

Colossians is a letter written by the apostle Paul, as one of the leaders in the early church, to the people in the ancient town of Colossae. Paul starts by encouraging them in their spiritual walk, then tells them that he has not ceased praying for them.

It is interesting that, as far as we know, at that time, Paul had not ever met them. They had not seen him. But he wrote this – “since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you”.

Much can always be learnt about how to be a Christian by looking at the early Christinas. Paul must have spent significant time in prayer, judging by how often he assures people that he is praying for them. Ephesians 1:17-20 is an example of a prayer Paul made to the believers in Ephesus, in which he says he “keeps asking” that will give them the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that they may know Him better.

Timothy also urges us to pray for “all people” (1 Timothy 2:1), not only for those we know and love well.

Paul also says "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ" (Galatians 6:2). We pray for others because Jesus Christ has commanded us to pray. He commanded us to pray also our enemies (Luke 6: 28). By praying for others we also learn to imitate our Saviour Jesus Christ. John 17 is a whole chapter of Jesus’ prayer for His followers - the longest of Jesus’ prayers recorded in the Bible.

James assures us that "the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective" (James 5:16).

We so often feel helpless when those we care about are in trouble of some sort. We hear with horror of the suffering caused by countries at war, of places where violence, oppression and injustice occurs, but we must not forget that, however lacking we are in resources to help, we have at our disposal the most “powerful and effective” weapon of all.

We can learn from this to pray often, ceaselessly, and for all people, and that the Spirit will grant them wisdom and understanding so that they may know God better, that they may know the joy and peace of His love.

Prayer

Lord, I thank You that I can bring my prayers to You, knowing that You are able to do far more abundantly than all I ask or think. In Jesus’ name, Amen