Do not cease praying for you

Scripture: Therefore, from the day we heard this, we do not cease praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding to live in a manner worthy of the Lord, so as to be fully pleasing, in every good work bearing fruit and growing in the knowledge of God. Colossians 1:9-10

Prayer: Once I dismiss chronological time, I can hear Paul's prayer for me in the present—and what a gracious or grace-filled prayer.

Response: Each word of these two verses is filled with meaning, designed to reach you wherever you are and however long you will be standing—so to speak. As Paul prays unceasingly for you, so you are urged to pray for others in your life—even if they have left the room. And what is your prayer—that you reach a profound level of spiritual wisdom and understanding of the Lord's will for you.

Trust that you understand that the wisdom sought for you is not of practiced moves and gestures, memorized words, or unconscious routines. No, this wisdom is transformational. You are never to be the same—wandering aimlessly in an endless field, but rather you become aware of an acute listening sensibility in a dimension emanating from the heart region that confounds the stupor of the rational mind.

And how will you know this gift of transformation—by a newly manifested ease in meeting any life challenge with equanimity—poise, serenity, humor, and acceptance. If there is any doubt of the affect that Paul's prayer has had on you, assess the new found generosity of service, compassion, and forgiveness that distinguishes this time of wakefulness.