1. A Prayer For All of Us Philippians 1:9-11

2. Paul made a habit of praying for brethren: “how unceasingly I make mention of you, always in my prayers “ (Romans 1:9) Paul prayed for the Corinthian brethren (13:7-9) Paul prayed for the Ephesian brethren (1:16-19) Paul prayed for Colossian brethren (1:3,9-12) Paul prayed for Thessalonian brethren (1 Thess. 1:2; 3:10; 2 Thess. 1:11-12)

3. Paul prayed for Philemon (v. 4-6) Paul prayed for the Philippian brethren: consider his four petitions (1:9-11) That your love may abound … in knowledge That you may approve the things that are excellent That you may be sincere and void of offence Be filled with the fruits of righteousness

4. Paul wanted their love for God’s knowledge (information) and discernment (application) to abound and grow, not be stagnant (1 Cor. 15:58) Knowledge of God’s word must be coupled with discernment (insight, perception) in order for the knowledge to do any good (Prov. 1:1-4) Let us pray that we grow in knowledge (2 Pet. 1:5; 3:15) and discernment (Heb. 5:14)

5. Paul wanted them to have a clearer sense of what God values through the use of testing (1 Thess. 5:21) Spiritual discernment based upon a knowledge of God’s word (lit. to distinguish the things that differ, Rom. 2:18; or, “the things that really matter”) Let us pray that we make a distinction in… Choices between good, better, and best Choices between good and bad, true and false Choices between right and wrong teachings, morality, attitudes, etc.

6. Paul wanted them to be an example for Christ in the world Let us pray that we live with sincerity: inward purity of character (lit. sine cera, without wax) – 1 Cor. 5:8; 2 Pet. 3:1 Let us pray that we live without offense: outward purity of example (lit. to fall or stumble into a trap) – 1 Cor. 10:32-33

7. Paul wanted them to live fruitful lives that would glorify and praise God Let us pray that we bear fruit of righteousness (Prov. 11:30; Amos 6:12; 2 Cor. 9:10; Eph. 5:9; Heb. 12:11; Jas. 3:18) Let us pray that our fruitful life glorifies God (Jn. 15:8)… Our good works (Mt. 5:16; 1 Pet. 2:12) Our use of the body (1 Cor. 6:20) Our gifts and talents (1 Pet. 4:11)