March 11, 2020 | Prayer Guides by Various Authors
Praying Through Scripture
Day 11 - Background for Colossians 3:12-17
Colossians 3:12-17
So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.
In these next ten days we will continue learning how to pray Scripture working our way through Colossians 3:12-17. Before we get into this passage—looking up words and praying through it—we need to learn a little about the passage so we are ready to study it correctly.
Paul is writing to the church at Colossae around A.D. 62, approximately 30 years after the death of Jesus. Interestingly, Paul has never met any the believers at Colossae. This church was birthed about ten years earlier when a young man named Epaphras, who heard the Gospel preached by Paul, began sharing the Gospel in Colossae. When Paul writes to Colossae, he was in prison in Rome and Epaphras was with him. Epaphras informed Paul there was a false teaching threatening the health of the church. Paul writes Colossae to address this false teaching.
In writing Colossae Paul’s goal is to set forth a proper understanding of the Gospel starting in chapter 1:15 all the way through chapter 2. Paul’s writing sets Christ as supreme and preeminent above all things. When we come to chapter three, much of Paul’s theology has been explained and he moves on to Christian living. All his theology is practical, and all his practical living is based on good theology.
Our passage beginning in verse 12 is full of instruction on Christian virtues. Paul begins chapter three with “Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.” Paul’s premise is that our position before God, which is a gift of grace, calls for virtuous living to God. Verses 12-17 are descriptions of that virtuous living.
Prayer Prompts:
- Father open the eyes of my heart this week as I study Colossians 3:12-17 that I may know you more and make you known in my life.
Day 12 - Chosen of God
Colossians 3:12
So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion,
Read Colossians 3:12-17 as a whole before we focus on the beginning of verse 12.
As we think about praying through the beginning of this verse we need to understand what Paul means as he uses the words chosen (see also “Election” in the Bible dictionary), holy, and compassion. Our first task is to look up these words.
Holman Bible Dictionary http://classic.studylight.org/dic/hbd/
Questions to Consider:
What does it mean to be “chosen”? Who has done the choosing?
How should the truth of being chosen affect my identity and behavior?
What does it mean to be holy? Describe God’s holiness.
In what ways am I unholy?
How does being beloved impact my view of God?
What is compassion? And, why must I be told to put it on?
How can I practically show compassion towards others?
Prayer Prompts:
- Using a prayer calendar: (Refer to Day 3 - Chaos or Calendar)
- Today focus on praying for family members.
- Using one of the two models below, pray through today’s Scripture:
- Using our ACTS model of prayer:
Adoration - What could we praise God for based on this verse?
Confession - How do these verses lead us towards confession?
Thanksgiving - Is there anything we can give thanks for?
Supplication - What petitions could we make based on this verse? - Using our garland model of prayer:
Instruction - Is this text leading us to do anything?
Confession - Where does the text lead us towards confession?
Thanksgiving - Is there anything we can give thanks for?
Petition - What requests could we make based on this verse?
Day 13 - What to put on
Colossians 3:12
So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience;
Read Colossians 3:12-17 as a whole before we focus on the end of verse 12.
As we think about praying through the end of this verse we need to understand what Paul means as he uses the words kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Our first task is to look up these words.
Holman Bible Dictionary http://classic.studylight.org/dic/hbd/
Questions to Consider:
How have the Biblical definitions of kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience changed my previous understanding of these words?
How does humility impact the other words?
How often should I “put on” these characteristics?
Describe how Jesus has shown these traits. What does this say about who He is?
What does it look like when I live out the opposite of these words in my life? Compare these with the broader context of Colossians 3:5-9.
How is my home, church, and community impacted when I live out these words as continuing attitudes and actions?
Prayer Prompts:
- Using a prayer calendar: (Refer to Day 3 - Chaos or Calendar)
- Today focus on praying for others (friends, co-worker, teacher, neighbor, coach).
- Using one of the two models below, pray through today’s Scripture:
- Using our ACTS model of prayer:
Adoration - What could we praise God for based on this verse?
Confession - How do these verses lead us towards confession?
Thanksgiving - Is there anything we can give thanks for?
Supplication - What petitions could we make based on this verse? - Using our garland model of prayer:
Instruction - Is this text leading us to do anything?
Confession - Where does the text lead us towards confession?
Thanksgiving - Is there anything we can give thanks for?
Petition - What requests could we make based on this verse?
Day 14 - Bearing and Forgiving
Colossians 3:13
bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.
Read Colossians 3:12-17 as a whole before we focus on verse 13.
As we think about praying through this verse we need to understand what Paul means as he uses the words Lord and forgiveness. Our first task is to look up these words.
Holman Bible Dictionary http://classic.studylight.org/dic/hbd/
Questions to Consider:
What does “bear with me” mean? How does “patience” in verse 12 and “bearing with one another” in verse 13 connect?
Using the broader context of Colossians 1:13-14 & 2:13-14, what does Christ’s forgiveness look like? What does this reveal about Him?
How are we to forgive? Which descriptive words are used?
What does the title “Lord” mean? How does knowing the Lord’s authority over me impact my view of His forgiveness of me?
Is there a limit to forgiveness? Why or why not?
Do I forgive like this?
Who am I not forgiving? Who do I need to ask for forgiveness?
Prayer Prompts:
- Using a prayer calendar: (Refer to Day 3 - Chaos or Calendar)
- Today focus on praying for specific prayer requests.
- Using one of the two models below, pray through today’s Scripture:
Using our ACTS model of prayer:
Adoration - What could we praise God for based on this verse?
Confession - How do these verses lead us towards confession?
Thanksgiving - Is there anything we can give thanks for?
Supplication - What petitions could we make based on this verse? - Using our garland model of prayer:
Instruction - Is this text leading us to do anything?
Confession - Where does the text lead us towards confession?
Thanksgiving - Is there anything we can give thanks for?
Petition - What requests could we make based on this verse?
Day 15 - Put on Love
Colossians 3:14
Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.
Read Colossians 3:12-17 as a whole before we focus on verse 14.
As we think about praying through this verse we need to understand what Paul means as he uses the words love, bond, and unity. Our first task is to look up these words.
Holman Bible Dictionary http://classic.studylight.org/dic/hbd/
Questions to Consider:
How is love listed differently than the other characteristics here? Why?
Who is our example and how does He love?
What is the heart attitude of love?
When I am bonded by something, what does that mean?
What is the evidence when I am not bound by love to others? What do I need to repent of before God and others?
Who has given us the ability to be unified? How is love unifying?
Describe this type of love and unity when lived out at Richland Creek Community Church. What is the impact beyond Richland Creek?
Prayer Prompts:
- Using a prayer calendar: (Refer to Day 3 - Chaos or Calendar)
- Today focus on praying for your church family and its pastors.
- Using one of the two models below, pray through today’s Scripture:
- Using our ACTS model of prayer:
Adoration - What could we praise God for based on this verse?
Confession - How do these verses lead us towards confession?
Thanksgiving - Is there anything we can give thanks for?
Supplication - What petitions could we make based on this verse? - Using our garland model of prayer:
Instruction - Is this text leading us to do anything?
Confession - Where does the text lead us towards confession?
Thanksgiving - Is there anything we can give thanks for?
Petition - What requests could we make based on this verse?
Day 16 - Peace of Christ
Colossians 3:15
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.
Read Colossians 3:12-17 as a whole before we focus on verse 15.
As we think about praying through this verse we need to understand what Paul means as he uses the words peace, Christ, and call. Our first task is to look up these words.
Holman Bible Dictionary http://classic.studylight.org/dic/hbd/
Questions to Consider:
Whose peace is being discussed? Describe His character.
How does the title “Christ” impact my understanding of God and peace?
Is this peace internal, external, or both? How so? What impact does this have on myself and others?
What does it mean to allow something to rule us?
How is “called” connected with “chosen” in verse 12? Who has done the calling? How does the source of the calling impact peace and thankfulness?
Who in my life does not have the peace of Christ because they do not yet have a relationship with Christ?
Where am I not pursuing peace and allowing it to rule?
Am I thankful?
Prayer Prompts:
- Using a prayer calendar: (Refer to Day 3 - Chaos or Calendar)
- Today focus on praying for missions and salvation of the lost.
- Using one of the two models below, pray through today’s Scripture:
- Using our ACTS model of prayer:
Adoration - What could we praise God for based on this verse?
Confession - How do these verses lead us towards confession?
Thanksgiving - Is there anything we can give thanks for?
Supplication - What petitions could we make based on this verse? - Using our garland model of prayer:
Instruction - Is this text leading us to do anything?
Confession - Where does the text lead us towards confession?
Thanksgiving - Is there anything we can give thanks for?
Petition - What requests could we make based on this verse?
Day 17 - Word of Christ
Colossians 3:16
Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you,
Read Colossians 3:12-17 as a whole before we focus on the beginning of verse 16.
As we think about praying through the beginning of this verse we need to understand what Paul means as he uses the words word, Christ, and dwell. Our first task is to look up these words.
Holman Bible Dictionary http://classic.studylight.org/dic/hbd/
Questions to Consider:
What does “word” refer to in this verse?
What does the title “Christ” mean? What does it tell me about who Jesus is?
What image comes to mind when I think of the word “richly”?
How can the word of Christ richly dwell within me?
Why does God want me to let the word of Christ richly dwell within me?
Do I let the word of Christ dwell within me? Does it richly dwell within me?
What steps can I take to increase the quality of my interaction with the word of Christ?
Prayer Prompts:
- Using a prayer calendar: (Refer to Day 3 - Chaos or Calendar)
- Today focus on praying for the community, country, and world leaders.
- Using one of the two models below, pray through today’s Scripture:
- Using our ACTS model of prayer:
Adoration - What could we praise God for based on this verse?
Confession - How do these verses lead us towards confession?
Thanksgiving - Is there anything we can give thanks for?
Supplication - What petitions could we make based on this verse? - Using our garland model of prayer:
Instruction - Is this text leading us to do anything?
Confession - Where does the text lead us towards confession?
Thanksgiving - Is there anything we can give thanks for?
Petition - What requests could we make based on this verse?
Day 18 - With all Wisdom
Colossians 3:16
Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
Read Colossians 3:12-17 as a whole before we focus on the end of verse 16.
As we think about praying through the end of this verse we need to understand what Paul means as he uses the words wisdom, admonishing, psalms, and hymns. Our first task is to look up these words.
Holman Bible Dictionary http://classic.studylight.org/dic/hbd/
Questions to Consider:
How does the Bible define wisdom? Why do I need wisdom?
Do I seek wisdom from God’s Word or from worldly sources?
What is the difference between teaching and admonishing?
Do I teach and admonish with godly wisdom or worldly wisdom?
Do I ever speak the word of Christ to others?
Do I sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to others?
What should happen as we remind each other of the Gospel in these ways?
Does my heart overflow with thankfulness and genuine worship to God?
Prayer Prompts:
- Using a prayer calendar: (Refer to Day 3 - Chaos or Calendar)
- Today focus on praising God for what He has done this week.
- Using one of the two models below, pray through today’s Scripture:
- Using our ACTS model of prayer:
Adoration - What could we praise God for based on this verse?
Confession - How do these verses lead us towards confession?
Thanksgiving - Is there anything we can give thanks for?
Supplication - What petitions could we make based on this verse? - Using our garland model of prayer:
Instruction - Is this text leading us to do anything?
Confession - Where does the text lead us towards confession?
Thanksgiving - Is there anything we can give thanks for?
Petition - What requests could we make based on this verse?
Day 19 - Whatever You Do
Colossians 3:17
Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
Read Colossians 3:12-17 as a whole before we focus on the beginning of verse 17.
As we think about praying through the beginning of this verse we need to understand what Paul means as he uses the words Lord and Jesus. Our first task is to look up these words.
Holman Bible Dictionary http://classic.studylight.org/dic/hbd/
Questions to Consider:
What does “in word or deed” mean?
What does it mean to do something “in the name of” someone else?
What does the title “Lord” mean? What does it tell me about who Jesus is?
What does the proper name “Jesus” mean? What did He come to do?
Is Jesus Lord of my life?
How is what I believe about Jesus reflected in my words and deeds?
How much of what I say and do is done in the name of the Lord Jesus?
Do I honor or dishonor His name with my words and deeds?
Prayer Prompts:
- Using a prayer calendar: (Refer to Day 3 - Chaos or Calendar)
- Today focus on praying for family members.
- Using one of the two models below, pray through today’s Scripture:
- Using our ACTS model of prayer:
Adoration - What could we praise God for based on this verse?
Confession - How do these verses lead us towards confession?
Thanksgiving - Is there anything we can give thanks for?
Supplication - What petitions could we make based on this verse? - Using our garland model of prayer:
Instruction - Is this text leading us to do anything?
Confession - Where does the text lead us towards confession?
Thanksgiving - Is there anything we can give thanks for?
Petition - What requests could we make based on this verse?
Day 20 - Giving Thanks
Colossians 3:17
Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.
Read Colossians 3:12-17 as a whole before we focus on the end of verse 17.
As we think about praying through the end of this verse we need to understand what Paul means as he uses the words giving thanks (i.e., thanksgiving), God, and Father. Our first task is to look up these words.
Holman Bible Dictionary http://classic.studylight.org/dic/hbd/
Questions to Consider:
What is thanksgiving? Why is thanksgiving important to God?
Through whom do I get to offer thanksgiving to God? Why is this possible?
Who is God? Do I remember Who God is when I talk to Him?
How does my relationship with my earthly father impact the way I see God?
How should the knowledge that I have a perfect, loving heavenly Father affect my life and my prayers?
How might giving thanks change my attitude toward God and/or my circumstances?
Based on this verse, what can I thank God for today?
Prayer Prompts:
- Using a prayer calendar: (Refer to Day 3 - Chaos or Calendar)
- Today focus on praying for others (friends, co-worker, teacher, neighbor, coach).
- Using one of the two models below, pray through today’s Scripture:
- Using our ACTS model of prayer:
Adoration - What could we praise God for based on this verse?
Confession - How do these verses lead us towards confession?
Thanksgiving - Is there anything we can give thanks for?
Supplication - What petitions could we make based on this verse? - Using our garland model of prayer:
Instruction - Is this text leading us to do anything?
Confession - Where does the text lead us towards confession?
Thanksgiving - Is there anything we can give thanks for?
Petition - What requests could we make based on this verse?
