Today’s Reading: Philippians 1:7-11 ESV
It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
More About Philippians 1:7-11
Written by Bronwyn Cardwell (First 5 Ministries)
Jesus knew we would need friends who would not only share life with us but also share our deepest longing for more of God. We need friends who will speak God’s truth to our hearts and encourage our souls with God’s Word. We need friends who will pray God’s Word over us. When Jesus is the tie that binds our hearts together, friendships become deeper and sweeter. The same goes for other relationships in our lives.
What if we prayed like Paul for those we love: for them to experience the presence of the Almighty in the deepest part of their souls? I challenge you as I challenge myself to begin to pray the Word of God for those we love. Pray that they will know God by experiencing Him; that His love will overflow through them; that they will choose His best for their lives each day; and that they will produce the fruit that only comes from walking faithfully with Christ.
Prayer: Dear Lord, give me the strength and discipline I need to be a strong prayer warrior for those I love. I pray for the people that are dear to my heart: that they would desire to know You and experience You. May they abound in Your love, choose the eternal over the temporal, be filled with the fruit of righteousness, and bring glory and praise to You, Lord. Thank You for hearing my prayers! In Jesus’ name, amen.
Journal Prompt: Reread the phrases from Paul’s prayer, and allow the Lord to put someone on your heart who needs your prayers today. Take a few minutes to pray for them by using the five phrases Paul used in Philippians 1:9-11. Which phrase are you most praying for yourself?
