Prayer produces intimacy with God. Prayer is also the fruit of intimacy with God. The relationship is cyclical and it is the powerful repetition of heaven granting to humanity the kind of closeness with the Lord on this side of eternity that could ever exist. Those who do not pray not only are limited in their effectiveness for the Lord but they are also void of the delight that such intimacy brings. We should all pray, but Paul gives us insight into prayer that, I believe is essential but often missed.
That Paul prayed and gave thanks often for the Philippians is clear from the language used in the verses considered today in our devotion. The heart and love for the church is also evident in Paul’s intercession. Yet, the heart of Paul’s thanksgiving is evidenced by the use of a transitional term that launches our minds into the depths of effective prayer. Paul prays for them “because of (their) partnership in the gospel from the first day until now” (v5). Paul’s passionate and consistent prayer of thanks for the Philippian church is based on their participation in the movement of the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the known world!
These Christians supported Paul from the very start of his ministry and had not surrendered their support, but remained loyal and faithful. Paul saw this as intimacy using the term “partnership” which is from the Greek koinonia. Koinonia is the high act of intimacy and Paul prays for them because they joined their very heart and affections to the work of Paul and, as a result, they were loving Jesus and advancing the kingdom. Paul was prompted to pray for the church because they were committed to the reality and the advancement of the gospel.
Prayer is the weapon of the Lord, not to be used as a means or method of seeking one’s own good or blessing. Prayer should not be used to advance your project or your ministry. Prayer should be the gushing of the soul in thanksgiving with the desire for the glory of God in the worship of Jesus Christ. Oh, how our prayers lack the scent and fragrance of being gospel driven and Christ centered; they lack the desire for the magnification of Jesus and this is why so many Christians and churches are lifeless and ineffective. It is not that they do not pray; it is the reason for which they pray that is weak – self and selfish desires (see James 4:1-4).
Paul will pray for the church specifically in verses 9-11 and we will touch on that in a few days. However, what must be noted is that the heart of Paul that prompted prayer was a heart that saw the gospel as the only reason and motivation for prayer. If this is not the reason why you pray then your prayer has not been effective because they have not been God-glorifying. Paul helps us by his example and demonstrates the answer of the Lord to our praying will come when our praying is not just to Him but for Him.
What prompts you to pray? Seek the Lord’s grace and forgiveness if His glory has not been the motivation behind your praying. The Lord loves to answer that kind of praying!
Wow, Pastor, this was both enlightening and spiritually driven. Thank you for the light.