Observation: Paul prays for many blessings for the Christians in Colossae. What's interesting about Paul's prayer is that it has nothing to do with changing the Colossians' situation and everything to do with their perception. He prays not for God to grant all their desires, but that they may know God's will. He prays not that their lives would be easy, but that they would have strength and patience.
Application: God doesn't answer all our prayers. At least not the way we expect. That doesn't mean God doesn't hear or care about us. God wants to hear exactly where our hearts and minds are, and telling God what we want and need is not wrong. Jesus says God will grant us what we ask in Jesus' name. But anything we ask in Jesus' name is not for our purposes, but for God's, and the answer won't always look like we picture.
In my experience, however, a prayer that often does come through much the way we ask, is a prayer for a new mindset. I guarantee, if you are consistent in praying to know God's will, your eyes will be opened. If you pray for patience and strength, you'll get it. If you pray for wisdom, over time, it'll come. It's harder to ask God to change us than to change our situation, because change in us requires openness and hard work. But when we ourselves are changed, a lot about our world can change too.
Prayer: Change my heart, my mind and my spirit, God. Help me be ready when you answer. Amen
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