Wednesday, September 28, 2016

A More Balanced Prayer Life

“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.” (Philippians 1:9-11 NIV)

Think about your average small group or church at the time prayer requests are being shared.  What requests are made?  Typically, they involve people who are sick or struggling.  Sometimes, they are made for people who are traveling or making important decisions.  On campus, they often revolve around tests and projects.  Rarely, if ever, do you hear a request made to have more love for the Lord and people, more knowledge and insight into the things of God so as to be able to discern the best way to live each day.  

Now there is nothing wrong with asking for prayer for Aunt Sue’s struggle with cancer, dad’s search for a new job, or your week full of tests and projects due.  Yet, like one’s diet, it’s good to have a balanced approach.  

Paul’s prayer here is focused on long-term spiritual growth and transformation.  That is to be the goal of every follower of Jesus, but in terms of our prayer lives, we too easily become focused on what’s right in front of us—the tests, the illnesses, etc.  What’s missing often are the deeper prayers, such as this one that Paul prays.  When we focus solely on the difficulties right in front of us, we can miss out on the resources that ultimately help us to deal better with the trials and struggles in life.  

Any casual reading of Acts and the letters of Paul, Peter, James, and John reveal a 1st Century life full of difficulties.  Yet, Paul’s prayer is not focused on any particular one.  Instead, it focuses on the broader, and deeper, need to be “pure and blameless for the day of Christ,” which is the ultimate purpose of each of our lives.

Today, consider the content of Paul’s prayer.  If you are like me, your prayer life could use a lot more balance.  This prayer would be a good place to start.

© Jim Musser 2016

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