praying effectively: Walk in Christ (Col.2:1-7)

(Colossians 2:1-23)  For I want you to know how great a struggle I have on your behalf and for those who are at Laodicea, and for all those who have not personally seen my face, 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and attaining to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ Himself, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 I say this so that no one will delude you with persuasive argument. 5 For even though I am absent in body, nevertheless I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good discipline and the stability of your faith in Christ.

6 Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, 7 having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude.

Reminder:  "praying effectively" involves knowing God's will.  When we pray in His will (in His name), He may choose to not answer those prayers in the time period that we would like, or HOW we would like - but He will answer those prayers!

It is God's will:

- that we are overflowing with gratitude (2:7)

- that our faith is firmly rooted, built up and established in Christ Jesus (2:7)

- that we walk in Christ Jesus (2:6)

Today's prayer:

 

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for everything You have done for us and for everything that You do for us.  Guide us in our walk with You.  Help us to walk in you.  As our faith grows, our gratitude should overflow!  You deserve all the glory and thanksgiving!  Amen.

praying effectively: Dwell on Truth (Phil.4:8-13)

(Philippians 4:8-13)  Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. 9 The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity. 11 Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. 12 I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. 13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

Reminder:  "praying effectively" involves knowing God's will.  When we pray in His will (in His name), He may choose to not answer those prayers in the time period that we would like, or HOW we would like - but He will answer those prayers!

It is God's will:

- that we dwell on whatever is true (4:8)

- that we dwell on whatever is honorable (4:8)

- that we dwell on whatever is right (4:8)

- that we dwell on whatever is pure (4:8)

- that we dwell on whatever is lovely (4:8)

- that we dwell on whatever is of good repute (4:8)

- that we dwell on whatever is excellent (4:8)

- that we dwell on whatever is worthy of praise (4:8)

- that we practice the things which are from God's word, the Bible (4:9)

- that we do all things through God who strengthens us (4:13)

- that we learn to be content in all circumstances (4:11-12)

- that we greatly rejoice in the Lord (4:10)

Today's prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for giving us Your word of truth, salvation and eternal life.  Help us to not only to learn Your will, but to love Your word.  Guide us in putting everything we learn into practice.  Help us to not only be content in all circumstances, but to have great joy in You!  Guide us to do and say the things which will bring You glory.  Amen.

praying effectively: Rejoice in the Lord (Phil.3:1-21)

(Philippians 3:1-21)  Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things again is no trouble to me, and it is a safeguard for you.

2 Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the false circumcision; 3 for we are the true circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh, 4 although I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If anyone else has a mind to put confidence in the flesh, I far more: 5 circumcised the eighth day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the Law, a Pharisee; 6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to the righteousness which is in the Law, found blameless.

7 But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, 9 and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, 10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; 11 in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.

12 Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you; 16 however, let us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained.

17 Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us. 18 For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ, 19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things. 20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; 21 who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself. 

Reminder:  "praying effectively" involves knowing God's will.  When we pray in His will (in His name), He may choose to not answer those prayers in the time period that we would like, or HOW we would like - but He will answer those prayers!

It is God's will:

- that we are wary of people promoting false doctrines and empty religions (3:2)

- that we do not rely on our own strength and efforts (3:3)

- that we completely rely on the Lord (3:3)

- that we realize our righteousness is found only through faith in Christ (3:9)

- that we press on, realizing that we are not perfect yet, we should forget what lies behind and reach forward to what lies ahead (3:12-15)

- that we should ask God to reveal to us any attitude which is not positively moving us forward towards living out Christ's righteousness (3:15)

- that we continue to live by the same standard which we have received (3:16)

- that we observe and follow those who are living obediently in God's will (3:17)

- that we rejoice in the Lord (3:1)

Today's prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for being our righteousness, which begins right at the moment we put our faith in You.  Thank You for Your saving grace, so that we do not have to worry about being perfect!  Help us to seek after Your perfection, not because we have to, but because we want to live out Your will in confidence and steadfastness.

Protect us from false teachings.  And protect us from our own self-defeating attitudes.  Surround us with godly people who will mentor and encourage us.  Guide us in knowing and understanding Your truth and Your will.  Help us to rejoice in You always, to bring You praise and glory!  Amen.

praying effectively: Stand Firm in the Lord (Phil.4:1-7)

(Philippians 4:1-7)  Therefore, my beloved brethren whom I long to see, my joy and crown, in this way stand firm in the Lord, my beloved.

2 I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to live in harmony in the Lord. 3 Indeed, true companion, I ask you also to help these women who have shared my struggle in the cause of the gospel, together with Clement also and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.

4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! 5 Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Reminder:  "praying effectively" involves knowing God's will.  When we pray in His will (in His name), He may choose to not answer those prayers in the time period that we would like, or HOW we would like - but He will answer those prayers!

It is God's will:

- that we stand firm in the Lord (4:1)

- that we live in harmony in the Lord (4:2)

- that we rejoice in the Lord, always (4:4)

- that we let our gentle spirit be known to all people (4:5)

- that we do not worry about anything (4:6)

- that we go to God for everything in prayer, with a heart that is humble, sincere and thankful (4:6-7)

Today's prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for caring about us so much, that You do not want us to worry about anything.  ANYTHING!!!  You ask us to go to You for everything!  

Lord, let this become a habit for us.  Guide us to continually seek out Your strength, unity, gentleness and joy, so that we may live out these things and experience Your peace and protection in our lives.  Amen.

praying effectively: Be Humble (Phil.2:1-18)

(Philippians 2:1-18)  Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, 2 make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. 3 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; 4 do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. 5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. 8 Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

12 So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.

14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing; 15 so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, 16 holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain. 17 But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all. 18 You too, I urge you, rejoice in the same way and share your joy with me.

Reminder:  "praying effectively" involves knowing God's will.  When we pray in His will (in His name), He may choose to not answer those prayers in the time period that we would like, or HOW we would like - but He will answer those prayers!

It is God's will:

- that we are all of the same mind, united in spirit, intent on one purpose: living out and sharing the gospel message, all to the praise and glory of our Lord and Savior (2:2)

- that we all use agape love as our motive in everything we say and do (2:2)

- that we do nothing out of selfishness or empty conceit, even if it is doing a good deed (2:3)

- that we are humble (2:3)

- that we regard others more important than ourselves (2:3)

- that we do not just look out for our own interests, but we consider the interests of others (2:4)

- that we take on the Christ-like attitude of being an obedient bond-servant (2:5-8)

- that we do not take our salvation for granted, but with a fearful respect for God, desire to understand and grow in the Lord's strength and guidance (2:12-13)

- that we do all things without complaining or arguing (2:14-15)

- that we rejoice in the Lord and share our joy with others (2:17-18)

Today's prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for making salvation possible!  And thank You for being our perfect example!  Help us desire to be more like You in all things.

Guide Your children in unity.  May we not complain or argue, but realize that when we look to You and allow the Holy Spirit to move in us - we will put aside our preferences and be considerate of each other. 

Guide our desires to be focused on Your will.  May we desire to serve You and others - because of Your love!  And may our joy in You spill out to those around us.  Amen.

praying effectively: Live in a Worthy Manner (Phil.1:12-30)

(Philippians 1:12-30)  Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel, 13 so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else, 14 and that most of the brethren, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear. 15 Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ even from envy and strife, but some also from good will; 16 the latter do it out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; 17 the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition rather than from pure motives, thinking to cause me distress in my imprisonment. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice.

Yes, and I will rejoice, 19 for I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20 according to my earnest expectation and hope, that I will not be put to shame in anything, but that with all boldness, Christ will even now, as always, be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.

21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose. 23 But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; 24 yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that your proud confidence in me may abound in Christ Jesus through my coming to you again.

27 Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; 28 in no way alarmed by your opponents—which is a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation for you, and that too, from God. 29 For to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, 30 experiencing the same conflict which you saw in me, and now hear to be in me. 

Reminder:  "praying effectively" involves knowing God's will.  When we pray in His will (in His name), He may choose to not answer those prayers in the time period that we would like, or HOW we would like - but He will answer those prayers!

It is God's will:

- that we are to conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, living out what we preach (1:27)

- that we firmly stand together, in the unity of one spirit (1:27)

- that we with one mind strive together for the faith of the gospel (1:27)

- that we are not alarmed or shaken by our opponents (1:28)

Today's prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for Your peace and unity.  May Your churches strive together to seek out Your truth with the wisdom and guidance of the Holy Spirit, remaining steadfast as we live in Your will, in Your strength.

Protect us from evil.  Give us Your courage so that we will not be afraid to live out and share the gospel message.  Help us understand that this life is full of suffering, but better to suffer for the cause of the gospel!!!  Let none of Your children be deceived into thinking that living for the world would be easier.  Your way is true joy, love and peace!  May we embrace that, being content and confident in all things, all to Your praise and glory!  Amen.