Our weekly company meetings always include prayer on the agenda—a true perk of working at a faith-based company. During that time, we pray for each other and for those who are connected to us, our family and friends. We also pray for all those who might be reached by what we do, including our fellow believers. The New Testament has no shortage of verses instructing us to pray for one another. And in Paul’s letter to the Colossians, the apostle shows us something else we should do when we go to God on behalf of one another.
Many times, when I read Paul’s letters, I’m tempted to dismiss the opening verses as mere greetings. But all of God’s Word is for us, and the content of Paul’s greeting to the Colossians prompts us to do more than just pray for our fellow believers. We ought to celebrate their faith and give thanks for them.
In chapter 1, Paul communicated to the Colossians that he and Timothy would “always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you” (Colossians 1:3). Even though Paul had not met the Colossian believers face to face, he prayed for them and thanked God for them. Why? Because of their faith and the love they expressed toward the saints because of the gospel (v.4).
We are far removed from the first century, but Jesus’s good news of salvation has continued to spread throughout the world, as He said it would, and it has continued to produce fruit (Matthew 24:14, Colossians 1:6). Praying for other believers helps us to remember the far-reaching power of the gospel and the broader narrative of Scripture: the redemption of peoples across all times and in every generation.
While God’s household certainly includes our own circle of Christian community, it also extends far beyond it to believers on every continent. We all share in God’s grace, united by His Spirit. This is the heart of Paul’s message in Colossians, and it calls us to live transformed lives—lives that reflect the love of Jesus, the one who saved us and longs to offer “redemption, the gift of forgiveness” to all of humanity (Colossians 1:14; Isaiah 30:18). That is reason enough to rejoice and celebrate the reach of the gospel to our brothers and sisters from every corner of the earth.
The gospel fuels our love and passion toward the believers who are in our own lives (Colossians 1:4–5). When we pray for each other, which should be often, God brings our thoughts, motives, and actions into alignment with His own. With an attitude of thanksgiving, we should pray for the Lord’s will to be done in all things.
The good news of the gospel is also this: God has saved us from our sin and extended His redemption to people all across the globe. We rejoice over each other—not because of anything we have done but because of the gift the Father has so generously given through His Son, the Spirit given to comfort and guide us and fellowship with one another. And because of our well-placed hope in Him (v.5), we can look forward to the day when all of God’s people, from every nation and generation, will rejoice in Jesus Christ together. As the hymn says, “What a day of rejoicing that will be!”
Leave a Reply
112 thoughts on "Prayer for Spiritual Growth"
❤️
♥️
Happy Monday she’s. Today’s devotional touched me on a personal level, because we got to experience the same loving sentimental that Paul talked about, expressed through letters. Our letters for one another are through daily edifying, through our comments and reflections ( dear TINA put it so well). And how I long for this every morning, to be built up and encouraged by your faith, by your testimonies, your care, your love, your lessons through your hard trials. It was raining this weekend, and it was so cold, and my heart was with you, grieving over the destruction of the storm. But our God is stronger than the storm, and stronger than the fear and anxiousness in our heart, and He holds the future in His hand. This earth one day will all be burnt up (a minister once said, environmentalists say, save the earth, but the prophecy says, this earth cannot be saved or the things in it). It is fleeting. The treasures stored up in Heaven are the only true wealth that shall remain. Knowing that, the grief of life transitions, the detachment of the things that we hold so dear, can hurt us profoundly, and we indeed are so fragile. Please know I am covering you dear sisters and your families with prayers, and may the God of comfort cover you and strengthen you even more. “ I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you” (John 14:18). “Even to your old age and gray hairs, I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you” (Isaiah 46:4). “The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all” (Psalm 34:19). Be blessed dear sisters.
Back to you, dear Mercy! ❤
Hugs dear CEE GEE.
❤
While I agree that this world is not our home, and it will be replaced (remade?) with a new heaven and a new earth , we are also called to have dominion over this earthly home of ours. That is, we are to steward it and care for it well. And we as a society could do a better job of that, which would prevent some of the terrible weather-related tragedies that we are seeing with increased frequency in recent years. Pray for those recovering from these tragedies now, but also for wise leaders to plan to steward our resources for a better world for us all.
Yes, a new earth will descend, and what a mystery, i wonder if the sea will be there or not :)
Amen.
Just because “it is fleeting” doesn’t mean we can ignore God’s call to care for His creation.
❤️. Much love dear Mercy ❤️
Thank you Mercy for this reminder of our calling to each other!
I also wrote a prayer for the worldwide kingdom of believers.
Lord God, our Heavenly Father, thank you for your grace and love. Today, I pray for the worldwide community of believers. I pray that we stand united and fueled with our love and passion for you, for your son Jesus Christ, and for each other. We are grateful for you, Lord, and we rejoice in you. Thank you for your kingdom in heaven and here on earth. Thank you for offering all of us redemption. Lord, may your will be done in all things. Thank you, God, for the good news of the gospel! May it be spread and shared with love and joy. We place our hope in you, Lord! Through the Spirit, please comfort and guide us in fellowship with one another. May you be praised in every nation and every generation. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
Beautiful prayer, Michaela! Thank you and amen! ❤
This is beautiful, Michaela..❤️
I wrote a prayer in my prayer log based on Col. 1:9-15. I would like to share it with you, sisters.
Lord God, my Heavenly Father, thank you for your faithfulness. You are holy and everlasting. I ask that you fill me with the knowledge of your will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding, so that I may walk worthy of you Lord: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge and strength of You. I pray for endurance and patience. With joy, I give thanks to you Father for giving me and allowing me to share your light. You have rescued me from the domain of darkness and have allowed me into the kingdom of Jesus Christ, your only son. Thank you, Lord, for your redemption and forgiveness. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
Amen! ❤
I love this!! I like to pray for wisdom a lot!!
I am grateful today for the example that Paul sets for all of us. Beyond just praying and rejoicing in the family of God, I am grateful for the reminder that Paul is not just rejoicing in love – he is also correcting in love. I have struggled for a long time with what it looks like to correct/rebuke in love like Christ, but I can see now that Paul provides a clear example of that in so many of his letters. His rebukes come from a place of deep love and care for his fellow Christians as they stumble, and I pray that the Holy Spirit would embed this lesson on my heart.
Praying for all those affected by hurricane Helene. My heart aches for all of you, and I can only echo the prayers that other sisters have already shared.
Agree, Amen Kira! If it comes from a deep place of love…! We love people enough to care for their walk with the Lord. We all “get it” at some point…yet still grow and change our views sometimes over time, so I try to remember that! My mother was very good example of this.
❤
❤️
One of my forever favorite verses is 1 John3:1 – “Oh what manner of love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called the sons of God!” God doesn’t just love us – his love is lavished on us! “A one-sided giving instead of a return for something earned.” And He calls us His children! We are chosen, not forsaken, redeemed by the precious blood of the Lamb – now that’s worth rejoicing about!!
______________
I echo Tina’s thoughts on this SRT community. It is a privilege to be here, to share one another’s burdens and rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.
Even though we have never met – I love you all and am thankful for each and every one.
I too look forward to the day we will all rejoice together in the presence of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. “What a day of rejoicing that will be!
______________
Prayers for all those who are experiencing the devastating effects of the hurricane.
_____________
Have a blessed day sweet sisters. ❤️
I agree 100% Sharon!
What precious truth, a one-sided giving, thank you Sharon.
❤ love you gals!
Beautifully said, Sharon, Beautifully said. ❤️
Happy Monday ladies. Praying for you all today.
❤️
Grateful to hear that so many of you are unscathed from the hurricane. My heart is so heavy for Asheville (I moved from there a few years ago, too, Lanie!). The destruction is incomprehensible and the suffering hard to imagine as I sip coffee on my deck on a beautiful sunny fall morning in Colorado. Praying and praying.
❤ I have always loved NC! Actually was hoping to move there after retirement. We’ve lived several places in SC and retired in the NW corner of the upstate, close but not quite there! I have been catching up on the news reports since our power was restored. The death toll is rising quickly. They really need so much. I feel like my hands are tied, but praying like all of you! ❤
Praying for all affected by this hurricane..❤️
I just keep thinking of this verse after reading everyone’s comments.
“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!””
Isaiah 52:7 NIV
https://bible.com/bible/111/isa.52.7.NIV
Everyone sharing verses, thoughts, insights and songs! It is so beautiful! If you live too far to help in NC or SC, you could help through several good organizations like Samaritan’s purse, Convoy of Hope, or Red Cross. Even donating blood at your local blood institute will help.
You are all amazing and I’m praying for all of you!
Yes! Thank you Cheryl, that is a good reminder of how to help in a big way! They need donations!
❤
Sisters, please ask for prayers for our son, Victor. He is so anxious about his interviews and about beginning again in OR from ground zero that his ADHD has him completely distegulated, and my husband has no patience for him. The tension is high in our home and my husband and I aren’t speaking. He simply can’t understand that his son has a disability. Please pray that through the state insurance I can get him to see a good psychiatrist and a therapist ASAP. He’s got 90 days here with us and my husband won’t allow him to stay any longer. He will have no where to go at this point. Thank you!❤️❤️
Much prayers lifted for you, Victory and for your husband. ❤️❤️
Praying for you, sister ❤️
Praying dear Aleida. Thank you for the update.
Aleida, what frustration for you, sister! Prayers that your husband will recognize Victor’s illness for what it is. Would he react the same way if Victor had a physically crippling illness? Surely not. I am so sorry the weight has been on your shoulders for so long! Praying big prayers. God have mercy, please. ❤❤
Amen. Also praying for eyes to be opened,for help to be found and for peace to reign in your home Aleida..
I am truly sorry for your troubles dear sister..
Is your husband aware of the fact that sometimes it can take more than 90 days to get in with a good psychiatrist? (Or any other specialist, for that matter). Is there someone he respects who could help him understand that the brain is an actual organ of the human body which, like the heart, runs on electric currents and needs its chemicals to be in balance to function properly? His support can play a huge part in your son’s healing. Conversely, the lack thereof is quite harmful. Please stand by your son, no matter what. I am helping my children recover from generational trauma from lack of proper mental health care. Which didn’t necessarily exist in previous generations, but it does now.
I love that without knowing personal and specific needs of our sisters and brothers in Christ, we can pray vs 9 – 14 over them and it will always be true. Who doesn’t want and need knowledge of God’s will with all wisdom and spiritual understanding? Or to walk pleasing to God and bearing fruit? Or to be strengthened with God’s might to have endurance and patience? Paul gave us a excellent template for when you don’t what to pray for our beautiful, diverse family of God.
Tina thank you for the blessing of your words as always. I have been with this group for years and don’t post often, although I pray for requests. I have challenged myself in the month of October to post daily and share more. This group has been a years and years long blessing to me.
It’s good to see you here Sarah! ❤️
❤ looking forward to seeing you!
Sarah, it is a joy to ‘meet you’.❤️
Lord thank you for those here reading this study with me. I and grateful for my fellow women of you and thankful that we have a place to share your word and talk about you. Bless our days and help us to show others who you are and bring them to you. In Jesus name I pray, Amen!
♥️
Amen!❤️
I look forward to sharing heavenly hugs with my sweet sisters. ❤️
I’m so grateful for this community and that we have the privilege to pray for each other and our communities without ever having met each other (like Paul with the Colossians!). What an honor to meet you all here and lift our burdens to our loving Father who sees us, hears us, and knows us. Lifting up the prayer requests and praying for those impacted by Helene.
I have a prayer request. I’m having a situation at my new job that is very frustrating and I feel helpless. Could you please pray for the Lord’s provision and that I would trust Him in uncertainty? Thank you and praying everyone has a blessed Monday <3
Love this Taylor, I hadn’t thought of that, that we have the privilege of praying for one another even though we have never met one another and we may never but that’s OK. I can’t wait for the day that we do! I love our community here. Praying right now for you during this uncertainty.
Prayers for you today Taylor with your work situation. May He give you the strength to keep trusting even when things are so uncertain. ❤️
Praying Taylor.. Trust Him!❤️
❤❤
I feel led to pray for our brothers and sisters around the world being persecuted and killed for the Good News of Jesus. I pray for them to be strengthened, emboldened by the Spirit, that they would know they are not alone! That they would see Jesus and live and walk in the Spirit without fear!
Tapping in from Greenville SC. I cannot explain how blessed I feel to have no damage and power. I feel literally rescued from the power of darkness. I had not prepared at all, no food in the pantry, no gas in the car. But God has provided. And now as I sit provided for my heart is broken for all the people still in darkness or trapped in their homes. We moved from Asheville two years ago, and some of my friends I have still not been able to connect with. My prayers feel overwhelmed and I feel like I should be doing more. It feels like too much to pray for. I can’t write it all in my journal. But I keep reminding myself, God loves them more than I love them. He sees and is holding every one of them.
Lanie, I am West of you and like you feel blessed beyond measure for having power restored so quickly (28 hours without hot coffee didn’t seem quickly at the time!) while others nearby may wait several more days. Trees down in yard but no damage. I can only PRAISE GOD and keep praying for others who ARE suffering and for the wonderful people working tenaciously to give aid! Thanks for reporting! ❤❤
Today on fb my memories show the days after Hurricane Ian 2 years ago, and the disaster out our front door. It was overwhelming. Then going out on my bike to see and hear story in the neighborhood. We were without power for weeks, but had a generator. But God really brought out his people to go and be hands and feet to those in need. It ended up being a beautiful blessing to show the church to those that did not know! I am praying that those areas affected, the church will rise up and show his light in their time and resources, and just by holding their hands and hugging them. We would pray there on the streets with helpless, overwhelmed people. Praying for God’s goodness to be know when it doesn’t seem like it.
Praise the Lord for His hand of protection over you. May His presence be near as you await word from loved ones, His strength be near you all❤️
Praying along with you! ❤️
Could we share and pray for those who are working overseas who we are grateful for the light they are bringing to darkness?
Rob and Emma in Chad
Maggie in Ukraine
Praying for Rob, Emma and Maggie. ❤️
Lifting up Rob, Emma and Chad and Maggie. Thank you for them and the light they shine being your hands and feet..Thank you Lord God.. ❤️
Father thank You for Your Son! Thank Hou for your Word, Grace and Mercy. Thank You for Your Wisdom and redemption. I receive and need it all. Thank You for this study, these amazing women who love You. Bless and protect us all. In Jesus name, Amen
Amen! ❤️
Aimee, Amen.❤️
Sisters, I posted this late last night and sharing it again in case any of you are near me. —–
Got our wi-fi back tonight!!! Praying for the many still without power and devastated by Helene! The eye had been predicted to pass over Atlanta, but drifted to the east and passed right over us. Big prayers for our precious sisters as towns rebuild.
If any are near Clemson, SC, and wish to reach out, please do. I will share an email address or message you on the
SRT She’s FB page.
~~~
SEARCHING ❤
~~~~~
LINDA IN NC – Is your daughter okay? I think she is near us. ❤
~~~~
KIMBERLY Z – Praying for your meeting today! ❤
I am in the Greenville, SC area and if anyone needs anything I am happy to help. It is so heartbreaking all the destruction and loss from this storm. Continued prayers for this area both Upstate and Midlands SC and all of Western NC.
Heather! Fellow Greenvillian here! We have power, so yes anyone near here who needs help, hot shower, warm food I’m here!
❤ Comforting to know you girls are so close! I am just NW of Clemson a little Maybe we could ‘meet in the middle’ (Easley maybe) when this nightmare is over. Hugs and glad y’all are safe!!!❤❤
Love this idea! So happy my SRT sisters are safe!
Just getting back on after 5 days of no power. Are you by the lake. I’m out here too! Wow, so many of us from this corner of paradise in S.C.! We did not have any property damage but there were downed trees all over. I heard today they said more damage than they saw with Hugo.
Yes maybe we could meet in the Easley middle. Love knowing that they are more Upstate SC here. Glad to hear that you all are safe ❤️❤️
Thank you, TAMESHIA, for the reminder of this song, rousingly sung many times in that little country church in the small town where my grandparents lived, played on a piano that had seen better days, accompanied by an expertly played tambourine. It was awesome! ❤️
–
When We All Get To Heaven (Eliza Hewitt, 1898)
.
1 Sing the wondrous love of Jesus,
sing His mercy and His grace;
in the mansions bright and blessed
He’ll prepare for us a place.
Refrain:
When we all get to heaven,
what a day of rejoicing that will be!
When we all see Jesus
we’ll sing and shout the victory.
2 While we walk the pilgrim pathway
clouds will overspread the sky,
but when traveling days are over,
not a shadow, not a sigh. [Refrain]
3 Let us then be true and faithful,
trusting, serving every day;
just one glimpse of Him in glory
will the toils of life repay. [Refrain]
–
Thankful, sisters, for being able to grow spiritually with you over the last 7 years (seems like much longer than that as I can’t remember what my morning routine was before SRT)!
–
CAROL J MYLIN – praying for Sheri and her family as they process this hard news of her cancer
SHANNON P – praying for repair of the hurricane damage and restoration of power
MARGARET W – praying as you prepare for the upcoming knee replacement and also for answers and healing of the shoulder pain. Are home health services available to help once you’re home?
TAMI – I am so sorry to read your sad news on BJ’s cancer. Praying for all. ❤️
KIMBERLY Z – praying for today’s meeting
CEE GEE – thankful for WiFi! Praying for SC and other areas
NATASHA R – thank you for sharing you are feeling better, and for the great idea of starting the week with gratitude
–
Such a growing loss of lives from Helene, with property and infrastructure destruction worse than I’ve ever heard of or can imagine. Praying for the people and communities as they begin the process of cleanup & decision making.
Joining you in prayer-Amen! So many impacted. We will feel the reverb from that impact for quite a while. So thankful to meet here with our sisters for our ‘daily gospel dose’. Like you, I feel lost without this gift of community. ❤
I’m being sent home the day of surgery, which seems rather barbaric to me. I was given 3 days to recover from a hip replacement 11 years ago. I did insist on 2 weeks of in-home physical therapy because I live in a 2nd floor apartment with a son who is disabled and unable to drive. I’m not sure why they think I will be off painkillers at the 2 week mark, but healthcare is cruel and driven by economics and the assumption that everyone is a potential drug addict, regardless of evidence to the contrary. I do have a wonderful, supportive church family, a couple of longtime friends, and my son will be at camp for the first few days after the surgery, so his caregiver will be free to focus on me (for extra money, because Medicaid won’t do anything for the caregiving parent of a disabled person who is out of commission.)
Prayers for your upcoming surgery and recovery. I also stayed 3 days in the hospital after a hip replacement 7 years ago. I can’t imagine going home after surgery. I had an issue with pain management for a day and a half. They ended up changing medications. Is there a way that you can talk to your doctor so that you can stay 1-2 nights.
I had a friend who had knee replacement surgery in July and she went home the same day. If fact, they told us that it is considered outpatient surgery. Because of my age, I stayed overnight. You will definitely want someone with you. Ice will be your best friend! You have to pass some therapy things like getting in and out of a car, steps if you have steps at your home and using your walker. I was off of pain killers in two weeks. Most of it made me sick to my stomach. I used Tylenol and Aleve. Always take some kind of pain meds before therapy. Do you attend a required class before surgery? It was mandatory here and answered lots of questions. Prayers are going with you.
I love this quote by Warren Wiersbe:
“We are saved by the grace of God, but the provision for our salvation was originated in the love of God.”
~~~`
That quote reminded me that the “LORD’S instruction” in Psalm 1 was proof of God’s love for His people. That love is revealed again through the gift of grace made possible by the blood of Jesus. He loves us and desires that we love Him. So personal! ❤
Amen
❤️
❤️❤️
“He has rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son he loves. In him we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”
.
Thanks be to God for this incredible gift!
.
CAROL J MYLIN – praying for Sheri and her medical team as they plan a course to treat her cancer.
.
NATASHA R – rejoicing with you in the turn around with your health. Praying peace would come to your thoughts and soul.
.
Continuing to pray for those in recovery from Helene.
Amen.
Praise God! ❤️
❤️❤️ praising God with you, Kelly, for this incredible gift..❤️
Dear Lord Jesus, Thank you for Filling us with Devine insight into your Purpose for our lives! Let your Supernatural Strategy guide us Holy Spirit. Abba let your perfect Love be Poured out into our Hearts for you so loved us that you sent Jesus. We receive Jesus today as Lord of our Lives. Forgive us of our past. As we End Summer ans End September. Give us Vision for this Fall. Help us to step into this New Season with Fresh Wind, Fresh Fires, Fresh Oil Fresh Anointing! Let your Joy overflow in and Through us. We cast all our cares on you, Cover us with Your Perfect Peace! Let your Wisdom and Knowledge be imparted unto us in Jesus Name We Pray Amen
Amen
Yes and Amen! ❤️
♥️
I love your prayers! fresh fire and fresh oil. Thank you Jesus.
Amen, and thank you for your prayer for us, Anna.. bless you..❤️
Dearests,
.
Good Morning!
It’s been a while, I’m sorry! I’ve been walking alongside Abbi which involves speaking and praying with her in the mornings and evenings.. Sadly for now, the Times don’t work so well with my SRT bible study time though I read along and pray as requested and in the moment.
.
I rejoice always, when I think of our journeying together over the years for some and recently for others.. What journeys we’ve been on, What joys we have shared, from arrivals of little people to marriages, to passing exams, to ‘the lost’finding their way home!
We have also known sadness and grief, the loss of one of our own, and sisters losing loved ones. We have walked together through all the ups and downs, the highs and lows, to arrive here today by His grace.. We hold hands from across the pond and further afield, and we grow in His love, and grace, patience and mercy, always hopeful, always looking forward.
.
It is an absolute honour to walk and journey with you my dear sisters, to include all the writers that set us up with their thoughts and encouragement, an absolute joy. I am so very, very thankful to and for you, for your love and encouragement over the years to me but also for the love and beautiful friendships and care for each other that has grown and continues to grow here. As is said, it is indeed a sight to behold, and one day without a doubt, we will get to hold each other for real, for now, we do it best, meeting here, reading the Word and learning and gleaning from each other the TRUTH.
And YES, What a day of great rejoicing that day will be!
.
What a privilege! Thank you my dears, thank you.❤
.
BUT GOD..
For sure, BUT GOD..
.
Much love, as always,
Tina..❤
❤️
Love everything about this! It made me think that what we have here is very early church. Just like Paul, writing to each other without face to face interaction. Joining you in your thankfulness for this community.
❤️
❤
Beautifully said, Tina. It is indeed a joy.
.
Continuing to pray for Abbi to gain strength innher spirit and confidence in overcoming her anxiety.
TINA, so beautifully expressed, dear sister! May I say thank you for speaking for me?! This community is so special to me. You bless us beyond measure. Praying for you as you minister to your sweet Abbi! ❤❤
Love this! Amen and Amen! So very thankful!
Ditto, ditto, ditto. Dearest TINA, thank you for sharing your heart with us time and again. Reminding us, blessing us, challenging us, as you many times put our hearts and thoughts into your words. Much love and many hugs, sister! ❤️
Praying for Abbi and thankful for your support and encouragement to her.
Dear Tina, thank you for your beautiful words. I have been a part of the group for many years. I don’t post often but I do pray for our fellow sisters. It is a blessing that this community is here and we can pray, encourage and support each other. ❤️❤️
Even though I don’t share often, this community is such a blessing to me. Prayers for Abbi!
I love you dear Tina!!!! Can’t wait for the day that we no longer have to give hugs across the pond and give you a REAL hug!
Loving you right back Tina! Good to see you here this morning – have a wonderful rest of your day. ❤️
Much love Tina and to all of our SRT sisters. This community has been such a blessing to me and continues to do so. Thank you from the bottom of by heart.
Such sweet words from your heart and we all echo them! So thankful for all these sisters! ❤️
Yes, Dear Tina!
The She community is indeed
church on earth.
Consistent & Christ-centered,
for all its worth.
On laptop, cell phone & tablet,
we greet the Divine.
Some days we speak wise; still some,
we might whine.
Crisscrossing land & water;
time & space.
Humbling submitting;
Grace upon Grace.
❤️❤️❤️
❤️ love all our She’s
Thankful!!!! ❤️