Paul in Colossians 1:9-11 is praying for a knowledge of God's ways, revealed to us in Christ. As we seek His knowledge through the Word, we will come to know the facts about Him. But Paul doesn't stop there. He says that in all spiritual wisdom and understanding we will be able to walk in a manner worthy of Him, fully pleasing him and bearing fruit. It is the function of Wisdom and understanding where we are able to take that knowledge of His will and apply it to our lives.
Through Wisdom and understanding which comes from abiding with Jesus, we are able to perceive heavenly realities and walk them out as earthly realities. He takes the information that we receive from reading the Word and turns it into a living understanding in our lives. We become houses of His presence on earth that project pictures of God's heavenly ways.
Being fruitful is not a chore or a good work that we have to do in order to earn his love. Even while we were sinners, he loved us enough to die for us. Being fruitful is but a reflection of the nature of God within us. Our good works come out of the overflow of His love in our hearts.
"And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy;"
Colossians 1: 9-11
Pray that we would be fruitful in every good work - whether it's comforting a neighbor, sharing your food or preaching the gospel to one or a thousand, pray that works of submission to His Will, compassion, kindness, generosity and even perseverance be found in our lives.
Pray that our fruitfulness will be contagious so the body of Christ will have eyes to see and be quick to follow God's promptings to respond to the call to love greatly.