Prayer Week 2025: Centeredness on Christ (Colossians 1:15-22)
Intro
It has often been said that the theme of the book of Colossians is the pre-eminence of Christ. He is supreme in authority over all things. This was the foundation of Paul, the author of this letter, and of the church at Colossae. The verses we will be meditating on this week contain a doxology – a short hymn of praise to God.
Rhythm
Each prayer time begins with a moment of silence to prepare our hearts to hear and respond from our Lord. Next, read the passage of Scripture in its entirety several times to orient ourselves to the text. Our prayer is broken down into 4 sections: “Up” is a prayer focusing on adoration of God; “In” focuses the words of Paul towards our ourselves; “Around” examines how the passage relates to our immediate context; and “Out” examines praying for the areas of the world God is calling our attention toward. To close out your time of prayer, you are invited to recite the Lord’s Prayer.
Point
As a church, one of the greatest blessings we have is to join together in prayer. You are encouraged to not only pray by yourself but with others. Do as little or as much as you feel led each day. This is a guide. If you have your own method of praying though Colossians 1:15-22, feel free to use that method.
Day 1: Remembering Who Jesus Is
Silence
Spend one minute of silence before the Lord. Pause to be still, to breathe slowly, and to recenter your scattered senses upon the presence of God.
Read Colossians 1:15-20 three times
The first time, read to orient yourself to what Paul is saying: What is the flow of thought? What are the key phrases? What is the tone of Paul’s words?
The second time, read with a special attention to verse 15: How does verse 15 fit into the doxology? Why are these truths listed first? What about Jesus did the early Christians want everyone to know first?
The third time, read to focus in on a word or phrase in verse 15: What stands out to you?
“He is the image of the invisible God”
In this phrase we remember that the glory of the invisible God has been made manifest in this world through Christ in the Incarnation. Jesus’ life and ministry were constant manifestations of God’s power, love, virtues, and holiness. Jesus is none other than the Creator entering into His creation.
“The firstborn over all creation”
This, of course, does not mean that Jesus is a created being. Far from it. As verse 16 tells us, Jesus created all things. Firstborn is a title. To be the firstborn is to be the heir of the inheritance in Jewish culture. Paul is saying Jesus is the rightful Heir of all creation, as Hebrews 1:2 tells us.
Pray:
Up
Praise God that Christ is the Heir. He is worthy. He is good and His Kingdom will have no end.
In
Reflect on these two phrases describing Jesus. How do you see Jesus? Do you see His supremacy over all creation as the Most High God? Without judging yourself, take inventory of your own life. Where is Jesus Lord of your life and where is He not? Talk with God about what you discover? Where can you praise Him for His work in your life? Where is He calling you to submit to His leadership?
Around
Where in your job or neighborhood or friendships is Christ not being praised as He should be? How does Jesus want to be glorified there? Talk with Him about how you can call others attention to the glory of Jesus that is right before them.
Out
There are many places in our communities and world where Jesus is not lifted high. Even those who claim Jesus often do so for selfish gain. Ask God to call your attention to one or two areas that you can pray about. Why is God drawing your attention to those areas? Is there anything He is calling you to do about it?
Closing
Close by reciting the Lord’s prayer.
Day 2: The Power of Christ
Silence
Spend one minute of silence before the Lord. Pause to be still, to breathe slowly, and to recenter your scattered senses upon the presence of God.
Read Colossians 1:15-20 three times
The first time, read to orient yourself to what Paul is saying
The second time, read with a special attention to verse 16: How does verse 16 fit into the doxology? Why are these truths listed first? What about Jesus did the early Christians want everyone to know first?
The third time, read to focus in on a word or phrase in verse 16": What stands out to you?
All things have been created by Jesus Christ. The immeasurable power of Christ simply cannot be overstated. Yet not only have all things been created by Him, but they have been created for Him as well. All things – from flowers and stars to humans and families and churches – find their fulfillment and highest glory in Jesus.
Pray
Up
Praise God that nothing in the entire universe is out of His hands or control. Praise Him that nothing – including you and your family and neighborhood and community – have been created by accident. All of these things have been created by Christ and for His glory.
In
Reflect on your own heart, mind, and soul. Where/when do you find it hard to believe Jesus has specifically created you to bring Him glory? Where do you fulfill your calling to glorify Jesus? What are some areas that need a reminder? Dialogue God about that.
Around
In our jobs and neighborhoods, we can see both the virtues of God and the vices of His enemy. Where can you celebrate God’s character and glory being manifest? What areas are not glorifying God as they were created to do? What is Jesus calling you to pray or do in regards to attending the glory of God around you?
Out
Our focus verse notes that even rulers and authorities and dominions (or governments) have all been created for His glory. Yet we know that around the world rulers and governments are not leading with virtue and Christ-centeredness. In what area of the world or government is Jesus prompting you to pray that His glory is made manifest?
Closing
Close by reciting the Lord’s prayer.
Day 3: The Preeminence of Christ
Silence
Spend one minute of silence before the Lord. Pause to be still, to breathe slowly, and to recenter your scattered senses upon the presence of God.
Read Colossians 1:15-20 three times
The first time, read to orient yourself to what Paul is saying
The second time, read with a special attention to verse 17: How does verse 17 fit into the doxology?
The third time, read to focus in on a word or phrase in verse 17: What stands out to you?
“He is before all things” is immensely rich language. Paul not only writes these words to describe Jesus’ eternal nature but also His preeminent nature. He is so far above and beyond anything we find here.
“…by him all things hold together” is another immensely rich phrase. The only reason why any of us exist is because Jesus says so (Heb. 1:3). Even while wrapped in swaddling clothes, and even while hanging on a cross, He was sustaining and upholding the universe.
Pray
Up
Remember and reflect on the fact that whatever we take joy in here, Christ is better. Whatever love we experience, Christ is better; whatever peace, Christ is better. He is infinitely better than anything we can have here on earth.
In
Reflect on the fact that whatever you are going through, Christ is far more powerful, far more wise, far more loving towards us than we can ever imagine. In the good and bad times, whether we realize it or not, it is Jesus’ power that is sustaining us. Thank God for that.
Around
Think about your neighbors, co-workers, family, and any others you come into contact with on a regular basis. Christ not only upholds you, He upholds them too. How has your attitude been towards these people recently? Without judgment, allow the Holy Spirit to call mind people and situations that have hurt or angered you. How have you responded to those situations? More
Out
We all see the brokenness of the world. Sometimes we can think it is too much for anyone to redeem. But God is in the business of taking the worst thing we can imagine – the death of God on a cross – and turning it into the greatest joy and hope we can imagine. He has the power to do anything because by Him all things hold together. What situations do you believe are hopeless? Remember the power of God and dialogue with Him about those situations.
Closing
Close by reciting the Lord’s prayer.
Day 4: The Lordship of Christ
Silence
Spend one minute of silence before the Lord. Pause to be still, to breathe slowly, and to recenter your scattered senses upon the presence of God.
Read Colossians 1:15-20 three times
The first time, read to orient yourself to what Paul is saying
The second time, read with a special attention to verse 18: How does verse 18 fit into the doxology?
The third time, read to focus in on a word or phrase in verse 18: What stands out to you?
Jesus is not only the head of the Universal Church, but the local body of Manchester Baptist Church. MBC is not ours, but Christ’s. We are to follow His lead. And not only the Church, but Jesus is to have “first place” in every aspect of our lives.
Pray:
Up
Reaffirm Jesus’ rightful place in all aspects of our lives – He comes first when we think: who to love, what to focus our thoughts on, where we go, when we spend time in prayer, and countless other areas of life.
In
Observe (without judgement) where God is saying you put Christ first or not first in your life. Celebrate the good and repent of the evil. What is one thing you can do to give Christ more of a preeminence in those weaker areas?
Around
In the ministries you are a part of at church and in your family and workplaces, what are a couple ways you can allow Jesus to take more of a lead role rather than a backup? Dialogue with God about that.
Out
As we look out at our town and country and world, we know that Jesus is not recognized as the head. You are invited to sit with the brokenness and mourn over it (Psalm 13 is a good companion for this). Then be renewed in the strength of Christ. He is indeed “first place” in everything. One day every knee will bow and tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:10-11). Focus on a couple areas in the world that need Christ’s leading. Pray for those areas.
Closing
Close by reciting the Lord’s prayer.
Day 5: The Deity of Christ
Silence
Spend one minute of silence before the Lord. Pause to be still, to breathe slowly, and to recenter your scattered senses upon the presence of God.
Read Colossians 1:15-20 three times
The first time, read to orient yourself to what Paul is saying
The second time, read with a special attention to verses 19-20: How do verses 19-20 fit into the doxology?
The third time, read to focus in on a word or phrase in verses 19-20: What stands out to you?
Jesus Christ is not only man, but also God. When Paul mentions the “fullness of God” he means the totality of divine attributes. Sometimes we can have the impression that Jesus is weak or limited in power because He veiled many of His attributes during His time on earth. However, as we have been seeing throughout this week, Jesus is the limitless King who has been given all authority and power.
It is because Jesus is not only fully man, but fully God that He was able to reconcile everything to Himself. He alone had the power, and righteousness and spiritual capital to complete the mission His Father gave Him.
Pray:
Up
Read through Revelation 1:12-20. What attributes of Jesus stand out to you? Glorify Jesus for those attributes.
In
What does my life tell others about Jesus? In my habits, language, thoughts, and emotions, do I demonstrate to others that Jesus is God and worthy of all that I am, or do I blur who He truly is. Dialogue with God about that.
Around
Jesus is in the business of reconciliation. As you look at broken situations closest to you, what does God have to say about them? Where does He want reconciliation to happen? Dialogue with God about that.
Out
We go forth into our world as ministers of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18) under the authority of Jesus Christ who reconciles all things to Himself. As we go forth, we are backed by the limitless power of the One who calls us into reconciliation. Knowing Jesus goes with us, what is one area Christ is calling you to step out and be His agent of reconciliation?
Closing
Close by reciting the Lord’s prayer.
Day 6: The Reconciliation of Christ
Silence
Spend one minute of silence before the Lord. Pause to be still, to breathe slowly, and to recenter your scattered senses upon the presence of God.
Read Colossians 1:15-22 three times
The first time, read to orient yourself to what Paul is saying.
The second time, read with a special attention to verses 21-22: How does the doxology make these verses even weightier? Why does Paul mention our alienation and reconciliation immediately after the doxology?
The third time, read to focus in on a word or phrase in verses 21-22: What stands out to you?
God’s answer to the problem of “alienation” is “reconciliation” initiated by Christ’s work on the cross. In the work of reconciliation, God didn’t meet us halfway. God meets us all the way and invites us to accept it. In reconciliation, we not only think of the justification be have before God, but the emphasis is on a restored relationship. Our relationship has been mended and set right. God not only loves you – He likes you too!
Pray
Up
Praise God that all the enmity He had for our rebellion has been dealt with on the cross. We can come boldly before the Throne of Grace knowing that God wants to hear from us far more than we ever want to hear from Him.
In
Where have you crossed that relationship recently, whether in word, thought or deed? Rather than try and hide or downplay it, confess it to the Lord knowing that He forgives and desires a restored relationship with us
Around
What alienated areas around you have you been praying for this week? If God were to suddenly show up in those places, what would change? What would be different? Pray for those things to happen.
Out
True reconciliation in this world can only come through the power of Jesus’ death and resurrection. As you think on the broken situations of the world, it is not merely physical peace that is needed, but a reconciliation that is rooted in the power of Jesus Christ. Pray that God would show Himself strong in those places He has laid on your heart. That lives would be changed through coming to know Christ and the power of His reconciliation.
Closing
Close by reciting the Lord’s prayer.