When praying for others, what should we pray? Paul gives us a model in Philippians 1:9-11, “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 until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ – to the glory and praise of God.” Let’s look at five things he prays for in these verses:
1) Growth in love – vulnerability, openness, forgiveness, authenticity, intimacy made possible through self disclosure and faith because of God’s love – love that does not demand something in return. Love for both God and others.
2) Knowledge – the ability to grasp spiritual truth.
3) Discernment – making godly decisions; knowing what to do as a result of being in an intimate place with God
4) Righteousness/blamelessness – doing right things in the inner character. The word was used by those who bought pottery and held it up to the light to see if there were any cracks in it. Conduct that will not bring any charges from others.
5) Fruitfulness – living for God’s glory so that Christ will be formed in them and they will continue growing to be like Jesus in mannerisms, conversation, actions, and thoughts – Christlikeness.
As God answers your prayers, those for whom you pray will be eternally grateful.
Coveting your prayers, Bob
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