A Prayer Worth Remembering and Modeling

In this deeply moving and practically focused message, Chuck Swindoll explores what he calls a "nostalgic morning"—a time of passing the spiritual baton to a new generation of leaders. He begins by honoring the legacy of the late Dr. J. Dwight Pentecost, a legendary expositor who "stepped out of the ranks" after nearly a century of life, just as five new men were being ordained to step into them. Chuck argues that the primary fuel for any ministry, whether in the pulpit or the home, is a consistent and model-worthy prayer life. Drawing from the opening verses of Colossians 1, Chuck explores the specific prayer Paul offered for a group of believers he had never even met. This study serves as a spiritual anchor, moving the believer away from generic, "vague" petitions and toward a "Resident Dynamic" of specific intercession that transforms the character and conduct of those we love.

The core of the teaching focuses on the "Anatomy of an Apostolic Prayer." Chuck observes that Paul’s prayers were characterized by two distinct movements: first, a "crescendo" of gratitude for what God had already done, and second, a "Relentless struggle" of intercession for what God was yet to do. By examining the transition from the report of Epaphras to the petition of Paul, Chuck reveals that the Holy Spirit acts as the ultimate "Harbor Pilot" of our prayer lives, navigating us through the "fog of the routine" and toward a "spiritual intelligence" that aligns our will with the Father’s. The goal of this message is to stabilize the believer’s faith, providing a "checklist" for intercession that bears fruit in every good work and remains "steadfast and patient" through every trial.

Message Key Facts:

• The Passing of the Baton: Chuck opens with the significant moment of ordaining five new men into ministry just as a "giant of the faith," J. Dwight Pentecost, passed away. He uses this to illustrate that while leaders change, the "Word of God" and the "necessity of prayer" remain the constant bedrock of the church. He challenges the "next generation" to be not just speakers, but "expositors" who are fueled by the same "Resident Dynamic" of prayer that sustained those who went before them.
• The Priority of Gratitude: A major highlight is Chuck’s analysis of Paul’s thankfulness. Before Paul asks for a single thing, he gives thanks for the Colossians’ "faith in Christ Jesus" and their "love for all the saints." Chuck argues that prayer should be the "Air Conditioner" of the soul—filtering out our complaints and replacing them with a cool, refreshing sense of gratitude for the work of grace in others.
• Spiritual Intelligence vs. Human Logic: Chuck dives into the request that the Colossians be "filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding." He distinguishes between "mystical mumbling" and true spiritual intelligence. He posits that the Spirit acts as an "inner filter" that allows the believer to see life from God’s perspective, moving us away from "fleshly effort" and toward a "quiet calm" that comes from knowing God's specific plan.
• Walking in a Manner "Worthy": Chuck highlights the practical result of prayer: "to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord." He explains that "worthy" (axios) refers to a life that "balances the scales"—where our conduct matches our calling. He argues that the Spirit-filled life is not a series of "ecstatic surges," but a "long obedience in the same direction" that seeks to please the Master in every detail.
• The Fruit and the Root: Chuck explores the two-fold result of spiritual growth: "bearing fruit in every good work" and "increasing in the knowledge of God." He notes that in the Spirit’s economy, the "root" (knowledge) and the "fruit" (works) are inseparable. A prayer worth modeling is one that asks God to make the believer productive in their service while simultaneously deepening their intimacy with the Savior.
• Invincibility through Endurance: The sermon reaches its climax with the request for "power" (dunamis). Chuck points out a surprising detail: this power is not requested for showy miracles, but for "all steadfastness and patience." He argues that the highest evidence of the Spirit’s "Resident Dynamic" is the ability to "stay under" the load of a trial without "ringing the bell" or quitting. This power provides a "joyful thankfulness" even in the midst of a "minor key" season of life.
• Advertisements for the Real Thing: Chuck concludes with a plea for the church to become "great advertisements of the real thing." He warns against the "long-faced, pious, nonsensical look of religion," arguing that a Spirit-filled prayer life produces a "contagious joy." He encourages the listener to stop being "self-centered" and to start modeling a faith that causes a world that has "long since lost its way" to stop and take notice of the Risen Lord.

Message References:

• Colossians 1:3–12: The primary text for the study. Chuck walks through the "thankfulness" for faith and love, and the specific petitions for spiritual wisdom, worthy conduct, fruit-bearing, and enduring strength.
• Colossians 1:23: A reference to the "steadfastness" of faith. Chuck uses this to show that the goal of the prayer is a "stable and assured" believer who is not "moved away from the hope of the gospel."
• Romans 15:4: The foundational doctrine of relevance. Chuck notes that Paul’s ancient prayer provides the "patience and comfort" needed for believers in any era to have hope.
• James 1:2–5: The instruction on trials and wisdom. Chuck links the "steadfastness" of Paul’s prayer to the "endurance" mentioned in James, showing that we need divine wisdom to navigate our "unexpected tests."
• Philippians 1:6: The promise of completion. Chuck reaffirms that the "Harbor Pilot" who began the good work of prayer in the believer is faithful to "perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus."
• Psalm 139:23–24: The "Search Me" prayer. Chuck encourages the believer to invite the Spirit to "check" their prayer life, ensuring it is focused on the "spiritual treasures" of Colossians 1 rather than merely Earthly comforts.
• 2 Timothy 4:7–8: The goal of the "Finisher." Chuck connects the "passing of the baton" to Paul’s own victory, encouraging the five new ordinands to "finish the course" with the same integrity.

Message Speaker:

Pastor Chuck Swindoll