Philippians 1:1-11 Sometimes we wonder what we should pray about, or how we should pray. Without minimizing Paul's prayer life, it seems it was helpful for him to pray effectively by reminiscing about the those he prayed for. He intentionally thought of the ones he was praying for. Those memories gave him reason to be thankful and also helped formulate what he would ask God for. In this case, he was thankful for their partnership in the gospel (monetary, etc.), the work of God in their lives, and that they also had received grace. This prompted him to ask God for things that either they lacked or he desired for them- abounding love, knowledge about God, discernment (for godly responses noted by their outcome, described by the words excellent, pure, and blameless), leading to his ultimate desire, that they would be known by their consistent godly life (the fruit of righteousness).
Perhaps our prayer life would be enhanced if we first of all reminisced with God about the person's existing spiritual qualities, giving thanks for who they we are, then asked for God's appropriate work on their behalf.
Pastor Paul
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