PRAYER

“Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all, in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now. For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. For it is only right for me to feel this way about you all, because I have you in my heart, since both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers of grace with me. For God is my witness, how I long for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ; having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God,” (NASB, Philippians 1:1-11).

One of the best ways for us as Christians to improve our prayer life is by imitating prayers in Scripture. Consider starting with Paul. When we read the prayers in his letters to the churches, we will notice three characteristics that distinguish them – an accurate understanding of God, joy in others’ salvation, and a desire for the Lord to continue the good work He began in their lives.

Even though Paul wrote many letters from prison, his concern was not for his release – it was for the health of the churches and the spiritual maturity of believers. Whenever he received word of their growing faith, increasing love, steadfast hope, and partnership in the gospel, he responded with joy, praise to God, and continued intercession on their behalf.

Does intimate knowledge of the Lord and love for our brothers and sisters in Christ fuel our devotional life? If we are longing for greater depth in our prayers, follow Paul’s example by spending time in God’s Word, pondering who He is, what He has done, and what He desires to do in the lives of His people. Then put these thoughts into prayers for the spiritual growth of fellow believers.

Jeff