Philippians 1:3-11

Thanksgiving and Prayer

This is my prayer: That your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.
~ Apostle Paul, Philippians 1:9-11

1 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 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.

7 It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. 8 God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.

9 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.

Let’s use the Apostle Paul’s
Prayer for today

Father God, may our love abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that we may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to Your glory and praise. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Micro-Group 
Moment

Considering the Bible as a prayer
source for deepening our life with God

You just had a conversation with God by praying a few verses of scripture above. What follows is a similar prayer written by Pastor Paul using Philippians 1:1-11 titled A Conversation with Jesus. Have a bible open and follow the parallels between the prayer and the original verses. Notice that Jesus “starts” the conversation and that Pastor’s replies are indented and italicized. The intent is not to alter Scripture or claim inspiration, but to spark a prayer time connecting with God via His word. It develops a rich, bible-centered prayer life.

Paul, My servant, My friend,¹ holy one of Mine: Let Our grace and peace fill you. Let Our grace and peace flow from you as you live and serve in Our name.

Picture those people you’re serving. Can you see them in your mind’s eye? Good, now thank Us for them. Make it a practice, a habit in your prayer times. Rejoice in your gospel-driven partnership with them from day one. Know confidently that We are behind it. View it as an “Ebenezer” experience² – Us having brought you to this point. My Father who began this good work in you will carry it on to completion until that day I show up in all My glory.

Give these people a place in your heart – for My sake. They are fellow recipients of Our grace – and your partners in sharing the gospel. Let My affection for them become your affection for them. Pray that their love abounds more and more in knowledge and depth of insight. I want them to be able to discern what is best – and be pure and blameless for My return, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Me. This will bring glory and praise to Father God.