October 4, 2026

Published October 1, 2026

Colossians 1:1-4 - A Christ-Centered Prayer

Whether in triumphant shout, gut-wrenching dismay, or anywhere in between, all humanity shares an instinct to pray (even though many might not call it that). Paul begins his letter to the church in Colossae with a prayer, as he does in many letters, which helps us understand better how we may pray on our behalf or the behalf of others. Paul’s main appeal is to keep the gospel of Jesus at the center of our lives, both in gratitude for what he’s done and as a framework for how we might daily practice faith. He calls it a ‘manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him.’

Read Colossians 1:1-14 a few times, perhaps using different translations. Then Discuss:

1. Paul mentions twice in this passage the idea of bearing fruit (v. 6, 10). What does Paul mean when he uses those words, and how might they be encouraging to us? 
  • Read Isa 27:6; John 15:1-17; Galatians 5:16-25; and Hebrews 13:15 to see this concept fleshed out a little bit. How does it change or reinforce your perspective of the Colossians letter?
2. In this opening, Paul mentions two other people (Timothy and Epaphrus) who are fellow workers with him. How does Paul's commitment to join efforts in a team challenge the way that you might think about spreading the gospel message to others? Is there something that your group can do more effectively together than what you can do on your own? 

3. Paul describes the gospel as ‘the word of truth’ and ‘the grace of God in truth’. Grace and truth are important ideas in Christian thinking. Read Exodus 34:6-7 and John 1:14-17 and discuss the importance of having both present in your life? Can you recall a time when you received grace when you needed it? Can you recall a time when you received the truth when you needed it? Can you recall a time when someone tried to give you one when you needed the other? 

4. Notice that Paul connects knowing the will of God, not to future events, but to concrete ethical and righteous conduct (v.10-13). Are there any areas of your life that are inconsistent with what you know to be God’s will? If so, what might you intend to do to reconcile that disparity? 

5. This passage is not simply a prayer we might pray over ourselves, but it more accurately an intercessory prayer Paul prays for another community, one he doesn’t even know. Who are you praying for? 

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