What are You Asking?

The Apostle Paul was a great man of prayer. In the letter to the Philippians, we get an insight into his prayers. Paul is suffering. Paul is in prison and is hurting. Paul has enemies who want to hurt him more. So he prays.

The surprise is not that he prays, but what he prays. Read Philippians 1:3-26. Paul’s prayer is:

 1.   A prayer of gratitude for the partnership        he has with the Philippians church.            Verse 5

 2.   That the church would succeed in their  Christian work. Verse 6

 3.   That their love would abound. Verse 9

 4.   That their knowledge and discernment would grow. Verse 9

 5.   That their lives would be pure and blameless before Christ. Verse 10

         Then, he prays about himself (about time).

 6.   He is grateful that his suffering has been useful in spreading the Gospel. Verse 12

 7.   He is grateful that his suffering has made the church more confident in the Lord. Verse 14

 8.   His suffering has made Christians bolder in their preaching. Verse 14

 9.   He is praying that Christ will be honored in His body whether by life or by death. Verse 20

He never gets around to complaining or seeking release. It is all about Christ using Paul’s situation for good. We have a lot to learn about prayer.

Dear Lord, when I compare Paul’s prayers to my prayers, I am ashamed. I complain too much. Beg for stuff too much. Basically, my prayers are too much about me. Please forgive me. Dare I ask you to use me for your glory. This terrifies and thrills me. Please, Lord, help me remove my fear; my selfishness. Help me to love what you love and be fruitful for you. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Paul Shero

San Angelo, Texas