Paul’s Prayer

by: Geoffrey Cox

Paul’s prayer starts with thanks (v. 3), adds some joy (v. 4), and abounds with confidence (v. 6). When Paul prays, he covers every area of life, not just “God bless so-and-so.” I have noticed that most of our prayer requests focus on our health or finances. Paul is not indifferent to physical needs, but for the Philippians he focuses on their character and faith. He wants his friends to be:

• loving people (v. 9). That means having both a deeply wise emotional love, really thinking about the people you care for, and also loving them in practice. Understanding what that means brings all the teaching of Jesus to mind.
• judicious and discerning people (v. 9). The discernment that enables us to know and choose what is excellent comes from knowing the Word of God.
• honest and upright people (v. 10). To be “pure and blameless” is a very high standard, but we must aim for nothing lower. One big help toward purity is to live with Jesus’ coming always in view.
• fruitful people (v. 11). “The fruit of the Spirit” (Gal. 5:22-23) adds up to righteousness as we walk closely with Jesus, with a great end in view: “to the glory and praise of God.”

This is the purpose, not only for all our prayers, but for all our lives. Definite prayers get definite answers. Make your praying definite.