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Dear Friend, The financial crisis that has overtaken the United States and countries around the world has been developing for a long time--and it appears to be more complicated and far more devastating than anyone could have imagined. Although some people are still doing relatively well, there are many who are suffering greatly. Eventually, the difficulties of this crisis will touch every area of our society and will have repercussions for generations to come. As you go before the throne of grace this week, ask the Father to help people throughout our land understand that He is our Provider. Remember that wealth and possessions fade away, but when you and I build our lives on the truth of God's Word, we will never be shaken.

Lord God Almighty, we acknowledge that You are our great Provider and Sustainer. This financial situation is overwhelming for us, but from You comes all power to make wealth and to redeem us from our indebtedness. Deliver us from this crisis, Lord God. Comfort those in our nation who are hurting, and show them the unshakable foundation of Your Word. Reveal to us Your glory so that we will know You are God and from Your hand comes every good thing--including temporary things like the food we eat daily and eternal provision such as the salvation of our souls. Surely, Father, the person who trusts in You will never lack any good thing. Thank You for hearing my prayer. In Jesus' name, Amen. (See 2 Chronicles 7:12-15.)

Praying effectively isn’t something we all naturally know how to do—for most Christians, it must be learned. In fact, one of the disciples who had walked with Jesus asked for help in this area (Luke 11:1).

So often we hear requests to bless, protect, and provide for a person. While these are fine to ask of the Lord, there is another, more powerful way to pray. When we speak to Him using Scripture, our conversation contains the authority of almighty God.

The apostle Paul wrote today’s passage to the Colossian church. From this, we know the specific requests he brought before God concerning his brothers. These are applicable to us today as well. Let’s focus on the first two requests today and the remaining four tomorrow.

First, Paul asked for the believers to understand God’s plan for their lives. Now, the Lord often does not reveal everything at once, but He gives seeking hearts enough information to trust and follow His way.

Second, the apostle prayed that the Colossian Christians would conduct themselves in a manner worthy of Christ and pleasing to Him; Paul longed to see their lives prove consistent with their true spiritual identity. A follower of Jesus is evident to other people because of lifestyle and spiritual fruit (Gal. 5:22-23).

One of the greatest gifts we can give is to lift a person in prayer. And there is no more powerful way to do this than to speak Scripture on his or her behalf. Colossians 1:9-14 is a beautiful example of a passage to pray as we bring loved ones and ourselves before God’s throne.