What’s praying look like for you? Do you always ask for better pay, better health, better kids, better life? Colossians 1:9-10 is a better way to pray. Q1: Who? Paul was praying for his church family. I don’t think it’s heresy to pray for the “church” you’re called to shepherd—the family in your home. Q2: What? Pray that your wife and kids “be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding” Hang on, to “be filled” in Scripture means to be under the control of said thing. If filled with fear, then you’re under its control. Fear influences you; makes you do things based on it. To be filled with knowledge/spiritual wisdom/understanding means being controlled/influenced by Him. If you are filled with Him you do His will instead of your own. You’re patient rather than impatient. You persevere instead of quitting. Your prayers look more like a gratitude journal with spiritual requests than an Amazon wish list. Q3: When? Paul wrote that he had “not ceased to pray” Ever want to give up on praying? Maybe Paul did too, but he didn’t stop. Reminder: Paul was reminding the Colossians that false teachers would twist what he taught. If you want your family to know, live, and keep the truth, pray like Paul.

DISCIPLESHIP BIBLE STUDIES FOR FATHERS: What fuels your fatherhood? In the chaos that can be life as a 21st-century male, our roles and responsibilities as a dad can overwhelm us. That’s why it’s important to spend time with our heavenly Father so we can learn to be better earthly fathers. When it comes to connecting with God more deeply, discipleship Bible studies can make a huge difference. And while the options are extensive, we’ve got a few suggestions to get you moving in the right direction.

PAUL’S PRAYER AND YOUR FAMILY: Some 2,000 years ago, the apostle Paul assured his friends in Colossae that he would never stop praying for them. Specifically, he had been praying that they would know God’s will and plug into God’s wisdom. When you stop and think about it, that’s also a great prayer for men to be praying for their families. If you want to become a more effective prayer warrior for your wife and kids, start with Paul’s ancient prayer from the first part of Colossians 1. Discover how praying this Scripture (and others like it) can make a difference in your life as a husband and a dad.

“Don’t pray for an easy life; pray for the strength to endure a difficult one.” —Bruce Lee

“Prayer is not just asking; it is a deep longing of the soul, a humble surrender to God’s will. It is a daily admission of our dependence on Him and an invitation for His presence to transform our lives.” —Billy Graham

“Don’t pray for an easy life; pray for the strength to endure challenges with unwavering faith. In prayer, we find the grace to overcome, the peace that surpasses all understanding, and the assurance that God is with us every step of the way.” —Charles Stanley

“Prayer is not simply a means to acquire things; it is an intimate communion with our Heavenly Father. Through prayer, we invite God’s presence into our lives and the lives of our loved ones. It is in His presence that we find transformation, guidance, and the abundant life He promises.” —Max Lucado

Walk worthy. Paul wrote “walk in a manner worthy of the Lord; fully pleasing to Him” Want your wife and kids to walk with God? Walk worthy yourself. Start by praying purposefully. Make time to pray as Paul prayed. No, don’t ask for more money, better grades for your kids, or more sex from your wife. Instead, try this: God, would you give my wife and kids spiritual wisdom? Help them love You more than anything. Please, Lord, would you start this work with me?

Kent Evans
Author of Bring Your Hammer, co-founder of Manhood Journey

P.S. Was this Mountain Monday helpful? Tell me if you love it, hate it, or if there’s something you’d like in the next one.

Forward this to a dad you know who needs some encouragement.