22ND WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

From the day we heard about you, we do not cease praying for you. 

Paul had probably never met the believers from Colossae, a town in modern-day Turkey. His coworker Epaphras likely planted the church and then recounted all that God had done among them. From a distance, Paul took them into his heart and prayed tirelessly for them.

As Paul prayed for the Colossians, two themes emerged. First, he praised God for all that he had done in this church. Second, he prayed that they would be even more open to God’s work in their lives. These themes of praise and intercession are so intertwined that it’s hard to say whether his praise was punctuated with intercession—or if it was the other way around!

Another “pray-er” who blended praise with intercession was St. Julian of Norwich. Born around 1342 in Great Britain, she was separated from Paul by many years and miles. But if you listen to her describe the way she prayed for people, you can hear the similarities: I look at God, I look at you, and I keep looking at God.

How about following this pattern as you pray for people?

I look at God. Begin by fixing your attention on the Lord. You can imagine him enthroned in heaven—glorious, radiant, and filled with love for his people. You may feel praise or gratitude begin to well up in your heart.

I look at you. In this posture of worship, try to visualize the person you want to pray for. Instead of immediately offering a prayer, take a moment to be still. Try to recognize any prayers that seem to be “bubbling up” within you. That may be the Spirit giving you a heavenly perspective on the person or situation you are praying for. But even if you don’t sense anything, you’re still interceding. You’re still being present to God on their behalf. And you can still pray God’s blessing upon them and mention their needs.

I keep looking at God. Take a moment to thank the Lord for what he has already done in that person’s life—and for what he’s going to do. Remember that he hears your prayers.

“Lord, thank you for listening when I pray.”

Psalm 98:2-6
Luke 5:1-11
Colossians 1:9-14

WORD AMONG US