Kevin T. – June 11, 2010
Scripture:
Philipians 1:4-7 Always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all, in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now. For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. For it is only right for me to feel this way about you all, because I have you in my heart.
Observation:
I notice two attributes that Paul possessed as he prayed for the Philippians. 1. He was joyful in his prayers for them and 2. He was confident in the completion and perfection of the work the Lord was doing in them. I believe the authentic degree to which he experienced these things for someone else was dependent on vs 7. He says, "For it is only right for me to feel this way about you all, because I have you in my heart" Because he truly had them in his heart he was able to see through the God-given eyes of faith. He was able to pray with confidence and joy because he had the Lord's perspective!
Application:
As I truly allow the people I minister to take a place in my heart, I will find the heart of the Lord manifesting in me as I minister and pray for them. The Philippians were not perfect as Paul's letter to them proves, yet the servant of the Lord should have a joy in prayer and confidence in God's continuing work for those he ministers to. God started the work and is faithful to continue it. This is the attitude with which I ought to pray and minister. This is real faith and the expectancy that evidences faith.
Prayer:
Father, I am shown once again how dependent I am on Your heart, mind and grace to be an effective minister and intercessor. Lord be gracious to me and let this revelation go deep in my heart. Let my attitude be like Paul's when I think of Your people.
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