Paul
frequently prayed for one thing so that something else would occur. List the request and the desired result in
the following passages:
Prayer
So that
Prayer
So that
So that
Prayer
So that
Why do you
think Paul did not pray for immediate physical needs, but for something with
long-range results?
How will
Paul’s example shape your prayers for friends and loved ones?
Ephesians 3:16-19
ReplyDeletePrayer
-To be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man
So that
-Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith
-To know the love of Christ
-Be filled with the fullness of God
Philippians 1:9-11
Prayer
-Your love may abound in knowledge and discernment
So that
-May approve the things that are excellent
-May be sincere and without offense
-Be filled with the fruits of righteousness
Colossians 1:9-14
Prayer
-You may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding
So that
-May walk worthy of the Lord
-Fully pleasing Him
-Being fruitful
-Increasing in the knowledge of God
Why do you think Paul did not pray for immediate physical needs, but for something with long-range results?
Immediate physical need is something he knew God already provided (or we all would cease to exist – for he holds everything together). Paul prayed for that which would glorify the Lord. Any knowledge prayed for was to increase one’s ability to reach others and glorify the King. Any fruitfulness was for the glory of the King. Any wisdom, love, growth – all to glorify the King. But not only the primary purpose of bringing Him glory, we also have the long term relational effect. God wants relationships with us. In all of these ways one can also grow closer in this redeemed relationship with our personal Holy Father.
How will Paul’s example shape your prayers for friends and loved ones?
They already have and continue to. As I read and study the word (including Paul’s prayers) I can hear the changes in my prayers over time with my family. They are more and more focused on future relationships and how each person prayed over will do His will and brings Him glory. I am thankful more and more for each breath. My prayers are growing in purpose from an eternal perspective. The more I fade, the more He is lifted up in the prayers and the more others are encouraged properly to press on toward the goal. I continue to be increasingly humbled by each opportunity to kneel, be it on my own behalf, other’s, or to the glory of God.
Guess I jumped ahead last week. Lol.
ReplyDeleteI wish I could attach "like" buttons. ;)
DeleteEphesians 3:16-19
ReplyDeletePrayer: Strengthen us with power through His Spirit
So that: Christ will dwell in our hearts through faith.
Philippians 1:9-11
Prayer: That their love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight.
So that: they may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless and filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Christ, until Christ's return.
Colossians 1:9-4
Prayer: Prayed for them to know God's will using spiritual wisdom and understanding.
So that: they might live a life bearing fruits, pleasing Him, living and growing in the knowledge of God.
Why do you think Paul did not pray for immediate physical needs, but for something with long range results?
Paul's main concern was for his brothers and sisters in Christ to grow spiritually. God promises to take care of our physical and spiritual needs when we are following after Him.
I put the answers from the previous week in the correct section. :) I am working on the prayer now and I will set aside a day every week going forward to keep up on this. Sorry about the setback. :(
ReplyDeleteNo set back at all sister. Happy to spend the time getting sharpened and sharpening others; growing together in maturity in strong Christ centered relationships in the good timing for us all.
Delete