Like many of you, I have places in Scripture that are very special to me.
One of them is the apostle Paul's prayer for the Colossians in his letter to them in chapter 1:9-14. In fact I have several names written in the margin next to these verses in a couple of my Bibles. It is a prayer I pray for others as well, especially when I don't know how to pray for them.

"For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. Vs. 9 And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way; bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, Vs. 10 Being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. Vs. 11-12 For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." Vs. 13-14

Is it not a prayer according to God's will for us? It is that we would continually be growing in grace and firmly established in Christ Jesus our Lord. Remember He has a plan for our lives and He is the One to reveal it as we walk in His way.

What is Paul asking and what are we asking of God:
'To be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding.'
'To live a life worthy of the Lord and to please Him in every way.'
'To bear fruit in every good work.'
'To grow in the knowledge of God.'
'To be strengthened with power according to His might so that we can endure.'
'To joyfully give thanks to our Heaven Father.'

I have taken each of these verses and added a companion verse as part of my own study. I would encourage you to do so as well. I am sure each of us will find something different. Just to help you get started let me share the verse I see as a companion for verse 9.

"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God." Romans 12:2

If you have a "Thompson Chain Reference Bible" you will have a blessed time as this prayer opens up to you!

So often I encourage each of us to not only study Scripture corporately, but individually as well. My reason for doing so:
2 Timothy 3:16-17,
"All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work."
And,
1 Peter 3:15,
"...Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence."

At this time, when so much in the world that is going on makes no sense, I would ask that we keep each other in prayer before God. We do need His knowledge, wisdom and understanding. However, being one in Christ, no matter what, we joyfully give Him thanks in all things!

Thank you Lord for this prayer of Paul's for it expresses Your heartfelt desire for each of us. We love and adore You Most Holy God! Amen