Exercise 5: Philippians 1:3-11
This is a discussion from Paul, he declares that he prays often to God for the people, he shows his appreciation for them, he recognizes how God is doing a mighty work inside them. Paul ends by blessing them with the words in verse 11, “May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation – those things that are produced in your life by Jesus Christ – for this will bring much glory and praise to God.”
Read the entire selection below and see how it makes you feel as a follower of Jesus Christ. Imagine if you were offering these thoughts to people at your church or children in your family. As you read notice what you notice and take a few notes.
3 Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God.
4 I always pray for you, and I make my requests with a heart full of joy
5 because you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now.
6 And I am sure that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on that day when Christ Jesus comes back again.
7 It is right that I should feel as I do about all of you, for you have a very special place in my heart. We have shared together the blessings of God, both when I was in prison and when I was out, defending the truth and telling others the Good News.
8 God knows how much I love you and long for you with the tender compassion of Christ Jesus.
9 I pray that your love for each other will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in your knowledge and understanding.
10 For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until Christ returns.
11 May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation — those good things that are produced in your life by Jesus Christ — for this will bring much glory and praise to God.
INSTRUCTION: Try making a prayer out of this excerpt from Philippians. Show appreciation where appropriate and ask for guidance and strength. How would you pray for others in the same situation? Remember praying for others’ is known as intercessory prayer.
For more help send me an e-mail and I will be happy to assist you.
(Contact me at prayer@macedonia-umc.org)