A PATTERN OF PRAYING FOR BELIEVERS

Philippians 1:9-11, "And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ; Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God."

Paul's prayer for the believers in Philippi reveal a pattern that could help us in praying for fellow believers.  Prayer is an integral part of the life of a believer, and certainly, we would agree that it makes a difference in what is accomplished, in all that we do and desire.  Notice what is emphasized in this prayer:

  • That we would grow in our love that is steeped in knowledge and judgment.  Love must be a focal point in our lives, but it must be steeped in "knowledge" (a full and comprehensive understanding of things ethical and divine) and in "judgment" (Holy Spirit cognition, perception, and discernment).  See 1 Corinthians 13:1-3

  • That, as believers, we would have the ability to choose what is best.  To "approve" is to put something to the test. Paul's prayer focuses on the ability of the believer to recognize what is excellent.  Excellence is seen in anything that surpasses the norm.

  • That we would live life knowing what is genuine (sincere) and without offense to God or others.  A Christian should live, genuinely seeking to be careful to not cause someone else to stumble.

  • That our lives would be filled with fruits of righteousness that redound to the glory of God.  Fruit is the result of a relationship with Jesus.  He spoke of being the vine and our being the branches.  It is through our relationship with Christ that we can bear fruit that remains. See John 15:5-8

May we begin by praying in this manner for our own walk, and then, may we also utilize this pattern as we pray for others who are walking with Jesus.

Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

MEDITATIONS

1. How would you evaluate your prayer life? Are you consistent? Does it follow a biblical pattern?

2. Do you believe people can be more effective in their Christian experience by praying more faithfully? Defend your answer.

3. What do you believe is a good biblical formula for determining what is best in your life?

4. Is your life filled with fruits of righteousness? What are some of those fruits?

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