Philippians 1:3-6
I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Have you ever taken the time to examine your prayers in light of the prayers in the Bible? I hope you are not as guilty as I am in praying for things that will make my life better, easier, more convenient and the same for others I have been asked to pray for. All through this wonderful small book of Philippians we are exposed to the prayers that Paul prays for his beloved church in Philippi.
The first thing that stands out is that he prays for the church each and every time he remembers them. Not only that, he seems to go through a mental list in order to pray for them individually as well as the church body as a whole. He may have recalled that night in the jail when an earthquake freed all of the prisoners. The jailer was ready to commit suicide, but Paul stopped him and that night led the jailer and his entire family to the Lord. I am sure they were part of the church he was praying for.
Then comes the power. Paul says he prays with joy. Many of our prayers are more like a lead weight instead of a helium filled balloon. He prays with joy because this beloved church has partnered with him in the spreading of the Gospel. Not only that, he has joy because the work they are doing for the Lord will bear lasting results until Jesus comes to take His children home. Praise the Lord!
How is your prayer life?
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
—Pastor Cecil