1. A Pattern of Prayer
Philippians 1:9-11

2. A Pattern of Thankfulness
3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy

3. A Pattern of Thankfulness
3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy How would we pray – platitudes or prescriptions?

4. How does Paul pray? Praise Peace Wisdom Thanks Unity Perseverance Joy
Strength
Righteousness
Hope
Purity
Opportunity
Love
Purpose
Salvation
Always spiritual rather than physical
Always positive

5. The Prayer
9 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight
Plentiful and abundant love
Directed by wisdom and understanding

6. The Prayer
9 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight
Plentiful and abundant love
Directed by wisdom and understanding
Compare
1 Corinthians 8:1b “knowledge puffs up while love builds up”
Colossians 2:2a “that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so they may have the full riches of complete understanding”

7. The Purpose
10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ
Aspirational
Above reproach

8. The Purpose
10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ
Aspirational
Above reproach
Compare
1 Thessalonians 3:13 “May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes”

9. The Product
11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God
Overflowing with good works
Bringing honour to God

10. The Product
11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God
Overflowing with good works
Bringing honour to God
Compare:
Galatians 5:22-23a “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 “Love is patient, love is kind…”

11. Our Prayer 9 This is my prayer:
that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight,
10 so that you may be able to discern what is best
and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,
11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—
to the glory and praise of God.