Have you ever started praying for someone and have no idea what to pray for?
Here are some common ways we “pray” for others…
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“Lord, just be with Joe today…”
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“Lord, help Sally have a good day…”
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“God, I just pray for Rob today…”
Have you ever prayed like that for someone else? I certainly have. Take a few minutes and turn to Philippians 1:9-11 and learn how to specifically and biblically pray for the spiritual growth in others.
1) Pray for Abounding Love (v.9) – Pray that fellow Christians will have an abounding (overflowing, endless) and increasing love for God, Scripture, and others. Remember, you are always faithful to that which you love.
2) Pray for Excellent Choices (v.10a) – Begin praying that other Christians will mirror God in an excellent way in every decision they make. Pray that they will carefully study, passionately investigate, and wisely determine how each decision will best obey and please the Lord. No one is exempted from the mistake zone.
3) Pray for Internal Integrity (v.10b)– Diligently pray that others will live a Christ-like life that is pure (sincere) and blameless (without offense). Christians who are the real deal! A life that is genuine not only speaks volumes to others, but brings much glory the God!
4) Pray for Fruitful Living (v.11a) – Vigorously pray that other believers will depend on the Holy Spirit to produce a fruitful Christian life. Also see John 15:5 and Galatians 5:22-23.
The purpose in fervently praying for others’ spiritual growth is for “…the glory and praise of God” (v.11b). The chief purpose in life is to glorify God (1 Cor. 6:20; 1 Cor. 10:31) so let’s stop the aimless prayers and start upholding each other in prayer the Bible way.
Now that you know how to specifically and biblically pray for the spiritual growth in others…go do it!
Photo above taken by: eyebiz (www.sxc.hu)
I really like this post. I have often tried to pray for other specifically and biblically. But as I was going through my Bible, God caught my attention and told me that I was trying by myself. And we can’t do anything without God. Since then, I have been trying (with God’s help)and succeeding to biblically pray for others.
Thanks Pastor Jonas.
I really enjoyed this message when Pastor Jonas preached it. I have often found myself praying for someone without knowing what I was really praying for. I am going to put these principles on an index card with my Bible so when I pray during my devotions, I will remember how I should pray for fellow believers.
I just wanted to take a moment and let you know that I’ve been enjoying checking out your posts over the last few months.
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