The Joy of Praying for Others
Speaker: Matt Boswell Series: Established in Joy: A Study of Philippians Topic: Prayer Passage: Philippians 1:9–11
In the Christian life, there is always a reason to pray. Scriptures commands us to pray in every season of the soul. But prayer is not meant to be some wooden religious exercise. It is meant to be a life-giving experience of communion with God. When scripture says that we are to “pray without ceasing”, it is not meant to be a burden but an invitation. Martin Luther said, "To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing." Prayer is essential to the Christian life. The bible doesn’t just tell us to pray, it teaches us to pray.
In Philippians 1:9-11 we see the joy of praying for others in a specific prayer of intercession. Paul is praying on behalf of other people that they might experience God deeply and hold God as the center of their life together. If you have a hard time praying for other people, or simply not knowing what to pray, Philippians 1:9-11 serves a little manual of praying gospel-centered, spiritually-minded, God-glorifying prayer.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
When was a time you felt cared for by having others pray for you? If God answered all of your prayers this week, what outside of your personal life would change? What is the hardest and most rewarding thing about praying for other people? While God cares for every detail of our lives and desires we pray for them, who can you intercede for this week specifically for their spiritual growth?
PRAYER
Pray through Philippians 1:9-11 as a group for one another, and for our church family.
other sermons in this series
Apr 7
2019
Established in Joy
Speaker: Matt Boswell Passage: Philippians 4:21–23 Series: Established in Joy: A Study of Philippians
Mar 31
2019
Gospel Generosity
Speaker: Matt Boswell Passage: Philippians 4:14–20 Series: Established in Joy: A Study of Philippians
Mar 24
2019
Christ is Enough
Speaker: Matt Boswell Passage: Philippians 4:10–13 Series: Established in Joy: A Study of Philippians