“And this is my prayer: That your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ — to the glory and praise of God.” (Philippians 1:9-11, NIV)
Paul didn’t just pray for the people in his life. He prayed for them with joy!
There are probably things in other people’s lives you’d like to change. You don’t want to change yourself; you want them to change. You can’t make them change — but you can, however, pray and let God do His work in other people.
Positive praying is more effective than positive thinking. All the positive thinking in the world isn’t going to change your spouse, child, friend, or situation. Positive thinking might change you, but it won’t change somebody else. But positive prayer can make a difference in both you and in others.
What’s the quickest way to change a bad relationship to a good one? Start praying for the other person! It will change you, and it may change them, too.
Paul even gave us an example of how to pray for others: “And this is my prayer: That your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ — to the glory and praise of God” (Philippians 1:9-11, NIV).
From these verses, you can learn to pray for the people in your life in four ways, but start by first positioning yourself:
Pray that they will grow in love: “And this is my prayer: That your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight …”
Pray that they will make wise choices: “… so that you may be able to discern what is best …”
Pray that they will live with integrity: “… and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ …”
Pray that they will become like Jesus: “… filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ — to the glory and praise of God.”
Pray this for yourself and for other people in your life. Then watch how God turns around even your relationships that have seemed hopeless.
Ponderings:
- Think of a strained relationship in your life. Take time now to pray that the other person will grow in love, make wise choices, live with integrity, and become like Jesus.
- How does positive prayer change you, and not just the person you are praying for?
- Take a moment and read Galatians 5:22-23. How are you seeing more of this “fruit” in your life as you follow Jesus?
Prayer
Father, I thank You for the gifts and abilities You have given me. Let me grow in “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22) and let that be my light to others.
Pray, praise, give thanks, and stay encouraged!
Pastor Mike
