GREAT PRAYERS OF THE BIBLE

PAUL’S PRAYER FOR THE PHILIPPIANS

“And this is my prayer: 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.” Philippians 1:9-11 NIV

Their Love may Abound More and More Love for God and Neighbor These are the Two Greatest Commandments – Matthew 22:34-40; Romans 13:8-10 There’s always room to grow in our love for God and others – Philippians 1:9

Their Love may Abound More and More Love based on knowledge and depth of insight Not foolish indiscriminate love that’s based on feelings Thoughtful intelligent love based on divine principles

They would be Able to Discern what is Best Spiritual discernment must be developed Through the study of God’s Word and Prayer – 1 Corinthians 2:14; 2 Timothy 3:16-17 Through discipline and obedience – Hebrews 5:11-14

They would be Able to Discern what is Best Love being the guiding principle in every situation If it’s not done in love, then it isn’t what is best – 1 Cor. 13:1-13 Doing everything in love is not always easy or fun, but it’s always the best! – 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

They would be Pure and Blameless This is not about “perfection” No one is perfect! – Romans 3:10, 23; 1 John 1:8-10; Philippians 3:12-14 But it should be our goal to always strive for perfection – Matthew 5:48

They would be Pure and Blameless It’s about the tenor of our lives Always striving to be authentic and sincere – 1 Timothy 1:5; Romans 12:9; 1 Peter 1:22 Always striving to live above reproach – Titus 2:1-8; 1 Peter 2:11-12

Filled with the Fruit of Righteousness What is this fruit of righteousness? Everything that is right and good – Ephesians 5:8-9; Galatians 5:22-23; James 3:17 Making the most of every opportunity! – Ephesians 5:15-16; Colossians 4:5-6

Filled with the Fruit of Righteousness Righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ Not a righteousness of our own! – Philippians 3:9 It’s allowing the Spirit of Jesus to live in us and through us! – Philippians 3:10-11 All to the glory and praise of God