Paul’s Prayer for the Philippians

Philippians 1:9-11 "And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ; having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God."

As someone said, God is somewhat like a father who is raising a large family. He is pleased to have the family, and he is delighted that you are a member of it. But He is not satisfied only with that. He is also interested that you grow up to be a good citizen, spiritually speaking. He wants productive children. He wants your life to be fruitful with good works. This is the message of Philippians 1:9-11.

In praying for the Christians at Philippi, Paul asks for three things.
1. He prays that their love might abound in all knowledge and discernment.
2. He prays that their lives might be lived free of hypocrisy.
3. And he prays looking forward to the natural result of the first two requests, that they might be filled with 'the fruits of righteousness.'

Paul is saying to the Philippians :
1. I have you in my mind V 3-6
2. I have you in my heart V 7-8
3. I have you in my prayers V 9-11

Paul found joy in his memories of the friends at Philippi and in his growing love for them. He also found joy in remembering them before the Throne of Grace in prayer.

Exodus 28:15-29 The high priest in the Old Testament wore a special garment, the ephod, and part of that was a breastplate over his heart. On it were 12 stones with the names of the 12 tribes of Israel engraved on them, a jewel for each tribe.

He carried the people over his heart in love, and so did Paul. Perhaps the deepest Christian fellowship and joy we can experience in this life is at the Throne of Grace, praying with and for one another.

Do you know anyone who is praying for you? Who are you praying for?