Tag: prayer

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Philippians 1:18d-19a – Alive and Well

picture of a sailboat on the water illustrating that God's Spirit is like the wind (pixabay)

Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ… 

Summary: In this passage, Paul points to a higher power: the Spirit of Jesus. 

In this passage, Paul summarizes his letter so far and adds one important point: Success does not depend on him. 

The nature of God is defined by love (agapẽ). The Apostle John tells us, “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love” (1 John 4:8). 

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Philippians 1:11c – The Glory of God

—to the glory and praise of God.

Summary: In this meditation, we arrive at the end of Paul’s prayer. Here at the end, Paul points us to the goal of bringing glory and praise to God. 

As we arrive at the end of Paul’s prayer, we can be forgiven if we are wondering, “Why?” 

Why do we want to discern what is best? Why do we need “depth of insight?” Why would anyone want to make an effort to be pure and blameless? 

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Philippians 1:4 – The Source of Joy

Picture of a baby wearing a BIG smile! (Pixabay)

 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy…

Summary: Paul’s joy is an indicator of a special relationship with the Philippian church. 

This verse alone tells us a lot about Paul’s relationship with the Philippians. His prayer for them is filled with joy.

Paul’s other letters all convey his love for his brothers and sisters in Christ, but his relationship is different with each one. 

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Colossians 4:3a – Thinking of You

Auguste Rodin's "The Thinker," with a "thought balloon" next to it with a smiley face.

And pray for us, too …

Summary: Understanding prayer is difficult because it is at the same time both incredibly simple and ultimately profound. 

If prayer is a state of keeping our mental focus on God, then everything else we think about comes before God, too. 

It is not as if God is not aware of what we think if we put ourselves first. The difference is that God knows we are not thinking about him as we should. 

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Ephesians 6:19-20 – Prayer List

Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

Summary: Paul asks for the church at Ephesus to pray for him in specific ways. Today, Paul is with the Lord, but we can still pray in ways that honor his request.

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