nd deep in sympathy is to be a true follower of
Christ.

As we ponder these things--conflict, unselfishness, sympathy--do not our
hearts condemn us? Instead of conflict, how easy-going have been our
prayers! Instead of unselfish, how self-centred, instead of sympathetic,
how contracted! Thus the Apostle searches and tests us as we dwell on his
wonderful life of prayer.

2. WHAT PRAYER BRINGS.

What were the objects for which the Apostle prayed so earnestly on behalf
of these unknown Christians? What were the precise gifts that he sought
for them from God? This is no unnecessary question, for the same gifts
will surely be suitable to us.

He asked for spiritual _strength_: "That their hearts might be comforted."
St. Paul always went to the very centre and core of things, and so we find
him constantly praying with reference to the "hearts" of these Colossian
Christians. Since, as we have seen, the "heart" in Scripture is the centre
of our moral and spiritual being, if the heart is right, all will be
right, for "out of it are the issues of life." He prays that their
"hearts" might be comforted--that is, in the full sense of the word,
encouraged, exhorted, strengthened. "Comfort" includes the three elements
of strength, courage, and consolation. We must be strong, brave, and
cheery. This is the full meaning of the term "Comforter" as applied to the
Holy Spirit. He is the One Who gives strength, courage, and consolation.
This, too, is the true meaning of the familiar phrase of the English
Prayer Book, "Comfortable words"--words that minister strength, fortitude,
and cheer. The fact that this thought of "hearts comforted" was often in
the mind and on the lips of the Apostle shows the importance he attached
to it (2 Thess. ii. 17; Eph. vi. 22). With hearts made strong, courageous,
and cheerful, Christians can face anything; while with hearts that remain
weak, fearful, and sad the Christian life is a prey to all the
temptations of the Evil One. It is exactly similar with a Church or a
congregation of Christians, for one of the supreme needs in any community
is comforted hearts--the centres of life made strong, courageous, and
happy. Then it is that Churches live, grow, extend, and witness for Christ
in the demonstration of the Holy Spirit the "Comforter."

He asked for spiritual _unity_: "Being knit together in love," or, quite
literally, "having been compacted in love." He prayed that these
Christians might be kept toge