Praying For Others
To understand prayer dear sisters, we need to be educated in Pauline Truth and the power of His grace. We are to mediate on what the Word teaches, then apply it. Notice Paul’s heartfelt love and desire for the Philippians, but it is also to all the Body of Christ: “And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence to the day of Christ.” (Phil. 1:9-10) His prayer targeted a heart desire for others to grow in good things and apply them in their walk. The goal for each Body member is to sincerely love others more and more according to sound doctrine.
Ask yourself questions when reading: What was Paul’s heart and specific spiritual desires for the Philippian Church? Would he have had godly objectives for everyone in his life? Do I think this way? Note the sincere affection he had for these saints, sharing his heart through the epistle. For example, just prior to this opening prayer: “Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy…For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ” and in chapter 4: “Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.” (Phil. 1:4,8, 4:1) A godly love heart would generate wanting the best for saints as family, then with the spiritual zeal, purpose to meet those needs.
Application: So as women of faith, think on this and pray for yourself to live this faith to love in this way and be a living sacrifice to minister to others on Christ’s behalf. As Paul is our example, note his heart and how he works this out in his ministry. We can be led by the Spirit in sound doctrine in our personal relationships. As we make time to daily pray for others, this will naturally generate godly love, an awareness of what they need, and how God can use you to show mercy and charity as His ambassador. Begin with one or two individuals, such as your parents, husband, or a dear friend. It takes some thought and a readiness to follow through: “And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.” (Eph.5:2) This kind of service is not fast, instead, it slowly works His Word within us transforming us to be conformed to the image of Christ: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” (Gal.5:22-23) Find an accountability partner in this endeavor, with a mutual goal to be guided to live this grace doctrine. Review how it is going regularly and evaluate how it can be more effectual. To God be the glory.