CWW WEEK 29 - Spiritual Discernment - Day 7
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Devotional: Praying for Spiritual Wisdom
Based on Colossians 1:9
Scripture:
“For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives.”
— Colossians 1:9 (NIV)
A Prayer Worth Praying
Imagine someone telling you, “I haven’t stopped praying for you.” That alone would be deeply encouraging. But in Colossians 1:9, Paul reveals not only that he prays but what he prays—for something more valuable than health, success, or even happiness. He prays that the Colossian believers would be filled with the knowledge of God’s will through the wisdom and understanding given by the Holy Spirit.
It’s a prayer still worth praying today—for ourselves, for our families, our churches, and our world. In a time where information is abundant but wisdom is rare, Paul’s words remind us that what we truly need is not more knowledge, but spiritual knowledge—wisdom that flows from God and leads us to walk in His ways.
Knowing God’s Will
Knowing God’s will isn’t just about figuring out which job to take, who to marry, or where to live. Those decisions matter, of course—but Paul is speaking of something deeper and more lasting. The will of God is His desire for us to grow in Christlikeness, to live in obedience, to love deeply, and to bear fruit in every good work (as Paul goes on to explain in the following verses).
When we’re filled with the knowledge of God’s will, our priorities begin to shift. We stop chasing what’s popular or comfortable and start pursuing what pleases God. We become less reactive to the chaos around us and more grounded in what is eternal. We begin to live not by impulse, but by discernment.
This knowledge doesn’t come from guesswork or gut feelings. It comes from the Spirit of God. He opens our eyes to Scripture, helps us apply truth to life, and leads us into paths of righteousness.
Wisdom and Understanding from the Spirit
Paul prays not just for knowledge but for wisdom and spiritual understanding. These are two different but closely related qualities:
- Wisdom is the ability to apply truth rightly. It’s practical and often tested in the decisions we make each day.
- Understanding is the ability to perceive and grasp spiritual truth. It’s about seeing life through God’s eyes, not just our own.
Together, these qualities form the foundation of Christian discernment. They help us make choices that honour God. They shape our relationships, guide our work, influence our words, and protect our hearts from error.
Notice, though, that this wisdom and understanding come from the Spirit. We don’t generate them ourselves. No matter how experienced or intelligent we are, we need the Spirit of God to renew our minds and shape our thinking. True wisdom is not found in the world’s opinions, but in the heart of God.
A Life Transformed by Prayer
There’s something powerful in the way Paul frames this verse—as an ongoing prayer. He doesn’t pray once and move on. He continually asks God to do this work in the Colossians. That persistence reminds us that growth in spiritual wisdom is not a one-time event, but a lifelong journey.
We don’t wake up one day suddenly full of perfect knowledge and flawless discernment. Instead, as we seek God daily, the Spirit deepens our understanding, refines our perspective, and strengthens our ability to live wisely.
What would our lives look like if this was our primary prayer? Not just for comfort or provision, but for spiritual wisdom and understanding—to know God’s will and live it out with courage and joy?
Reflection Questions:
- In what areas of your life do you most need the knowledge of God’s will right now?
- How often do you pray specifically for wisdom and understanding from the Holy Spirit?
- Who in your life could you commit to praying for regularly, as Paul did for the Colossians?
Closing Prayer:
Dear Lord, Papa God,
Thank You for the gift of Your Holy Spirit, who gives wisdom and understanding. I ask that You would fill me with the knowledge of Your will—help me to see as You see, to choose what honours You, and to live in step with Your Spirit. Shape my mind and heart through Your Word. Give me discernment in every area of life, and help me to pray this same prayer over those I love.
In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Have a great day today with Jesus.
Graham Hood.
Church Without Walls.
