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by Sandy Shaw
Philippians Chapter 1and in verse 3 , we now listen to Paul praying. It is always significant thing to hear someone praying. You learn a lot about a man when you hear him pray. We pray what we believe. Many people say prayers – that does not make them Christian, of course – and we need to remember that.
As we study Paul’s prayer, we find two words “Thank you” and “Please” – and notice that he says “Thank you” before he says “Please”. Thankfulness is one of the main characteristics of the prayer of a Christian.
To say “Please” is natural, but to say “Thank you” can be supernatural. Whenever I pray for you, I give thanks. Now, he did not pray for them every day – he is so honest.
You believed – you accepted – you supported – you cared. No wonder he gave thanks. The Word really got in – note the words used – listen – accept – agree – spread – support – these gladden the heart of any preacher or pastor.
Paul is so joyful in prayer. Paul would never need to be forced to pray – nor dragged to the hour of prayer – or coaxed to participate – this was his greatest joy.
At other times we read of Paul’s prayer being marked by agony or compassion, or sorrow, almost exhausting him, but here it appears to energise him.
Christian prayer has emotional content. This is unique. It is full of feeling. God gave me feelings that have to be expressed. It is not just cerebral. We are never to work it up, but we are to put our heart into it. Whatever the situation, it demands our whole being.
Joy is a quality of life and joy is a source of strength, and joy was a mark of the early church – Acts 5 verse 41 . I am praying joyfully because of your fellowship, or partnership, in the Gospel from the first day until now! They shared so many important things. You paid my rent – you paid my expenses – you helped me from the very beginning – that is the quality of fellowship here.
This word ‘joy’ – this is a delight in the Lord – not in things. Remember Paul is in prison. Joy is deeper than pleasure or happiness. What he is saying is – I rejoice so you too must rejoice – even though I am in prison. I am chained to a Roman soldier, but I rejoice, and so must you.
Paul is denied the joy of preaching around – so he receives a joy in prayer. He rejoices that others are preaching Christ. He rejoices in their faith and enjoys their fellowship. He rejoices in suffering and news of loved ones brings him joy. He enjoys hospitality and he is enjoying winning those of the house of the Emperor to the Lord Jesus. And, he has enjoyed receiving their money.
Verse 6 – Confident – that is the highest form of faith. Paul is confident in God. All this is not just a flash in the pan. What God has begun He will complete. God has a long-term plan.
“Loving Father, thank You for these words written from prison, to those disciples of Jesus, who were precious to Paul, and precious to You. We thank You today for those who are precious to us – our family and friends – those for whom we pray regularly – and those for whom we pray occasionally. Help us in our praying, in Jesus’ Name. Amen”
Alexander 'Sandy' Shaw is pastor of Nairn Christian Fellowship in Nairn, Scotland. Nairn is 17 miles east of Inverness - on the Moray Firth Coast - not far from the Loch Ness Monster!
Gifted as a Biblical teacher, Sandy is firmly committed to making sure that his teachings are firmly grounded in the Word.
Sandy has a weekly radio talk which can be heard via the Internet on Saturday at 11:40am, New Orleans time, at wsho.com.
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