Paul's Prayer

I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you, always praying with joy for all of you in my every prayer, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. I am sure of this, that He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. It is right for me to think this way about all of you, because I have you in my heart, and you are all partners with me in grace, both in my imprisonment and in defence and establishment of the gospel. For God is my witness, how deeply I miss all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. And I pray this: that your love will keep on growing in knowledge and every kind of discernment so that you can approve the things at are superior and can be pure and blameless in the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God. Philippians 1:3-11

This is an apostolic prayer. The church in Philippi was the first European church that Paul planted. This church was a result of the vision of the man calling him to Macedonia. You can tell that Paul has a special affection for this church: ' I give thanks for every remembrance of you.'

The people at this church were one in vision with Paul and one in spirit.

Have you ever taught Sunday school, ran a youth group, pastored a church, mentored anyone? You pour your heart into these people and have a heart for each other. As a spiritual dad Paul wanted to see his spiritual children grow in grace and righteousness.

Pouring ourselves into others is living. Giving grace, teaching righteousness is a wonderful experience. If you have never served in any way, try it, it changes you and your prayer life. Amen!

Praying for more than our own needs is imperative, it takes away the selfish syndrome. Amen!

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