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Colossians 1:9-10

⁹And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, ¹⁰so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.

Epaphras had evangelized Colossae, resulting in a vibrant church that loved their fellow believers and bore fruit unto God. Paul wrote that he had been praying for them to be filled with the knowledge of God's will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding. These were people he had never met, and yet the testimonies from this church had prompted his heart to pray for their spiritual growth. When we hear the testimony of a new believer or a new area where a church is formed, we should lift them up in prayer.

Paul prayed for them in this way so they would walk in a manner worthy of the Lord. He wanted to see them reflect Christ to their community, which would draw others to salvation. To live in a Christlike way would help them to continue to mature and be firmly rooted in God. That is pleasing to the Lord.

Knowing God's will and living it out also means they would bear fruit in every good work and continue to grow in the knowledge of God. It's when we reject His will that we begin to backslide and stop growing in wisdom and knowledge of God. Paul's concern was to see them discipled and established in the faith. That is when the kingdom of God advances in an area.

Consider: We can pray this prayer for ourselves as well. Ask God to fill you with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding so that you can live in way that is worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.