Philippians 1:9-11

Paul inspires me. Right now, I am going through a study of Philippians, and just reading about Paul's unbreakable faith in God is amazing. Paul is a prisoner awaiting his sentence. However, instead of becoming discouraged or thinking of how awful his life is, He praises God and prays everyday. Thinking of the situation, I would've probably had a negative perspective on it. I'd probably only think of myself, think of my problems and my trouble. When there are others out there who need help just as much as I do, if not more. What we really need to do is Praise God for his love and grace for us, and pray for fellow believers and people who are struggling or suffering. That exactly what Paul does, He is my example.. Here's a prayer that Paul prays for the believers in Philippi; "And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God" ( Philippians 1:9-11)

Paul's first request on behalf of the Philippians is that their love maybe abound and the two qualities he desires for them in this area is knowledge and all discernment. Also, the two ways that the approval of things that are excellent will affect us here and now is that we may be sincere and without offense. The source of the fruits of righteousness in verse 11 is Jesus Christ and the end result of these fruits is that we glorify and praise Him for who he is and what he has done for us. Paul prays for his friends in Philippi with Love, he implores God to lift them up in love and that they would approve things that are excellent so that they would be sincere and blameless So that they would bring praise and glory to God. Paul cares for the Philippians, he wants them to grow in Christ, to love Him and praise Him. Just like we want our friends to grow and develop a love and passion for Christ. Paul's love for the Philippians is clearly shown in these few verses.

Paul's prayer not only apply to our prayers for others, but also to the prayers we say for ourselves. With the example of Paul's prayer for his friends, we can start to make adjustments in the content of our prayers on behalf of those we know and love. We can be considerate and thoughtful of what they are going through and pray that they will continue to trust Him, talk with them and let them know that we care. Paul's statement about excellence in spiritual things makes me want continue to study God's word and to concentrate on greater growth in my own life as a christian. Also, praying for knowledge and discernment, praying always for those two qualities in my life and also in others'. We must take this to heart, to really apply this principle to our lives, Pray for others. Be in prayer always, Pray for knowledge, pray for discernment.. and pray that we won't forget the example Paul is in these chapters. Here is a quote by Paul Rees; "If we are willing to spend hours on end to learn to play the piano, operate a computer, or fly an airplane, it is sheer nonsense for us to imagine that we can learn the high art of getting guidance through communion with the Lord without being willing to set aside time for it. It is no accident that the Bible speaks of prayer as a form of waiting on God."

When will you pray?

Most of what is written above is from the book "Experiencing God's Peace" by Elizabeth George. A study in Philippians. I might periodically share what I am learning in this book with you here.
Praise God for his word and opportunity to talk with him through prayer. To Him be the glory forever and and ever Amen.