A Prayer for You, Day 22 God’s strength = the secret to being content. Read Philippians chapter 4, focusing on verses 10-13. A lot of people spend time trying to figure out what is the secret to happiness. How are we supposed to have a happy life? Paul talks about it in these verses. He mentions that the people of Philippi had been looking to support him and he appreciated their support. But, he wanted them to understand that he had learned the secret to being happy in any circumstance and situation. What is that secret? He had learned that he can do everything through Christ who strengthens him. It…

A Prayer for You, Day 21 It matters what fills your mind. Read Philippians chapter 4, focusing on verses 8-9. What fills our thoughts? In discussion with the people of Philippi, Paul wants them to stay focused on the good things. He knows that they will be distracted by many different things. He knows that there are several temptations that will try to get in the way. Paul gives a list of qualities that should make up what we, as believers, are to spend our time thinking about. Do our thoughts reflect the things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely and admirable? Our thoughts are to be a reflection…

A Prayer for You, Day 20 Be joyful, be gentle, be prayerful, be thankful, be full of peace. Read Philippians chapter 4, focusing on verses 4-7. These verses are all amazing. They are great, quick reminders of what the Christian life is like. We are able to see God do so many things when we are focusing on all these areas. All of these characteristics go together and if we are focusing on one of these and then we’ll often find that we are doing many of them. What do we understand these look like? How do we demonstrate joy? What does gentleness look like? Are we truly prayerful and…

A Prayer for You, Day 19 Be unified. Read Philippians chapter 4, focusing on verses 1-3. Paul knew that the people of Philippi were facing challenges. He knew that they were experiencing persecution and were struggling, just like every other believer. At this day and time, the last thing they could afford was disunity. Paul had heard of a situation in the church with two women who were not working well together. Paul called them out and his prayer for them was that they should be unified in Christ. We cannot truly be unified in any other way other than through Jesus Christ. Christ is the unifying piece that brings…

A Prayer for You, Day 18 A Prayer for transformation. Read Philippians chapter 3, focusing on verses 19-21. Paul is sharing with the Philippians the importance of transformation. We cannot remain as we are. We must continue to grow and become more like Christ. God has promised that he will work in and through us to complete us. And we can continue to pray for that transformation to take place. Are we seeking his transformation in our lives? Are we praying to see God make us more like him every day. What does this transformation look like? How can we continue to see God work and move in our lives…

A Prayer for You, Day 17 Prayer for the salvation of others. Read Philippians chapter 3, focusing on verses 15-20. Paul wants the Philippians to understand the importance of everyone receiving Christ. When we see him here, he is letting them know that is truly the prayer. Paul thinks about, weeps for, and desperately desires for everyone to come to saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Are we as desperate in our prayer for others as Paul? He wanted the Philippines to understand that no matter what else is going on, that is to be their primary focus. There will always be little quibbles over details, but ultimately, Paul’s prayer is…

A Prayer for You, Day 16 Progress. Read Philippians chapter 3, focusing on verses 12-14. This is a Prayer for progress. Even Paul, with all his spirituality, knew that he hadn’t arrived yet. We are all learning each day to be more like Jesus. Paul’s prayer for the people of Philippi was that they would learn to be more like Jesus every single day. How are we progressing in our growth and Christianity? Are we learning more about Jesus and seeking to be more like Jesus? Do we pray asking for God to help make us more like Jesus? There’s nothing easy about the Christian life or the Christian walk.…

A Prayer for You, Day 13 The importance of repeating yourself. Read Philippians chapter 3, focusing on verses 1-4. As Paul is continuing to instruct the Philippians, he makes this statement that he’s going to tell them something again. He’s probably told them these things multiple times but he indicates that by telling them again, it’s actually an opportunity for them to rejoice, and it’s a safeguard for Paul. Most people don’t really enjoy repeating themselves. Most people would prefer to just give instructions and have them carried out exactly the way it’s intended and then be able to move on. However, Paul understands that’s not how we work. Oftentimes,…

A Prayer for You, Day 12 A Prayer for healing. Read Philippians chapter 2, focusing on verses 25-30. Paul has been talking about the representative that he’s going to send on his behalf, Timothy, but now he changes to the representative that the Philippians had sent to him, Epaphroditis. Apparently this young man had come to Paul from the Phillippians and delivered a letter or goods or supplies. He stayed with Paul and ministered with Paul. Epaphroditis was there as a physical representation of the love and care that the Philippines had for Paul. Unfortunately, Epaphroditis got sick. From scripture, it sounds like his illness was very critical and that…

A Prayer for You, Day 11 A Prayer to truly see others. Read Philippians chapter 2, focusing on verses 19-24. Paul plans to send Timothy to see the people in Philippi. Paul knows that getting first-hand news of how they are doing will bring him joy, as he has been praying for them diligently. He makes a decision to send Timothy. Why does he choose Timothy? He says that Timothy puts the interests of Christ Jesus ahead of his own personal interests. Paul wants them to understand that their own personal interests will never be as important as the interests of Jesus Christ. God’s plans, God’s purposes, and God’s ways…