NIV Spiritual Renewal Study Bible PlanSýnishorn

Praying for Others

There is a blessing that comes from giving (see Acts 20:35). Nowhere is this more evident than in the area of prayer. God renews our spirits as we pray for others. Our love and compassion grow along with our faith when we come before God on behalf of others. As we pray, God often brings to mind specific ideas of ways we can support and help them as well. To paraphrase a great principle of prayer: We can do a great deal for people after we pray for them but little of lasting value until we pray for them.

We can pray specifically for others if we know their needs. But we can also request commonplace things for all people, regardless of whether we know them or not. A good example of a general request is found at the beginning of Paul’s letters, including this letter to the Philippians.

Paul’s letters often begin with a blessing of grace and peace. Grace is the reason for our salvation; peace is the result of it. God’s grace in Jesus Christ brings us new life and peace, both with ourselves and with others. Paul never tired of reminding people of the root and fruit of their faith in Christ.

Paul then gave thanks to God for the Philippian believers. The evidence of changed lives never ceased to stir gratitude and awe in Paul’s heart. He cherished God’s work in and through others. Paul affirmed their partnership in Christ and consistently emphasized mutuality rather than condescension in his relationships.

Paul also expressed his confidence that God would complete the work of spiritual transformation he had begun in the Philippians. This inspiring promise encourages us to press on in our journey of faith as well. Paul exhorted the Philippians to keep their eyes on the goal in spite of the fluctuations and discouragements in their walk with Christ.

Paul’s prayer for the Philippians included a blessing for grace and peace and a recognition of thanksgiving and affirmation. These qualities are the essential elements of the great keys to the spiritual life — faith, hope and love. Paul then prayed for additional requests that would aid the spiritual growth of his friends. He prayed that their love would grow within the community. He also prayed for them to grow in knowledge and understanding of Christ. And Paul also prayed that they would behave in a manner that honored God in light of the coming judgment. This is not a fear or guilt tactic. Rather it was Paul’s reminder to live for the ultimate goal of heaven, not the short-term rewards of comfort or pleasure.

Paul had a lot to say to his friends, and he rooted those thoughts in loving prayer. What an ideal way to open people’s hearts to teaching and ministry.