Praying Through Change - Day 15
Day 15 - Friday, November 3
Read Colossians 1:3-14
Highlight
As mentioned yesterday, Paul has a specific writing style. In his letter to the church in Colossae, he opens with thanksgiving and prayer. Yet, we find out that he does not know those in this church; “we have heard of your faith” (v. 4) and “you learned it from Epaphras” (v. 7). Therefore, this letter is more formal, Paul takes the time to explain more in order for the reader to understand and for there to be nothing left unsaid.
Paul is trying to ensure the readers know that the “spiritual knowledge and moral excellence were mutually supportive. Theology and ethics, halakah and haggadah, were meant to go hand in hand. Paul prays that God will enable the Colossians to lead lives worthy of and pleasing to the Lord…Jesus” (Longman III & Garland; “The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Ephesians - Philemon”). A relationship with Christ is not simply knowing the right things or just doing the right things. We are called to know the Lord and act in obedience to what He has called us to do. Our relationship with Christ should be grounded in both knowledge and action.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
Read Colossians 1:3-14
Highlight
As mentioned yesterday, Paul has a specific writing style. In his letter to the church in Colossae, he opens with thanksgiving and prayer. Yet, we find out that he does not know those in this church; “we have heard of your faith” (v. 4) and “you learned it from Epaphras” (v. 7). Therefore, this letter is more formal, Paul takes the time to explain more in order for the reader to understand and for there to be nothing left unsaid.
Paul is trying to ensure the readers know that the “spiritual knowledge and moral excellence were mutually supportive. Theology and ethics, halakah and haggadah, were meant to go hand in hand. Paul prays that God will enable the Colossians to lead lives worthy of and pleasing to the Lord…Jesus” (Longman III & Garland; “The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Ephesians - Philemon”). A relationship with Christ is not simply knowing the right things or just doing the right things. We are called to know the Lord and act in obedience to what He has called us to do. Our relationship with Christ should be grounded in both knowledge and action.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
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