Philippians 1:3-5, “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.”
Even though Paul was chained in prison and awaiting his trial in Rome, physically separated from the Christians in Philippi, he repaid their love, generosity, and kindness they had shown him by praying for these devoted followers, pastors, and servant-leaders. Paul gave God thanks for them in his prayers, and he tells them he did so with great joy. Instead of merely thinking about his situation, he spent time thinking about others and praying for them. Paul’s relationship with these believers went deeper than only having coffee and dessert together. Every memory of the people in the church in Philippi gave Paul joy which channeled Paul’s nurturing instincts to intercessory prayer for them on their behalf.
Paul was in prison in Rome when he wrote the letter to the Philippians church, ten years after this church was established (during Paul’s secondary missionary journey). Do you remember anyone in your life that made a lasting impression back in 2010 on your life? Do you remember what things were on your prayer list ten years ago? I don’t know that I do. But notice Paul’s keen recollection of these believers in the book of Philippians. Paul had invested his life in these people and his love for them he never forgot.
Estimates range Rome and Philippi were 700 to 1200 miles apart. Yet, distance did not hinder the fellowship and partnership in the gospel the Philippians and Paul had for one another. Paul still had joy overflowing for these dear Christian friends who had partnered with him to spread the gospel through their financial support and friendship.
Write out a list of people who have blessed you by making an impression and encouraged you in your walk with the Lord. Think of who has contributed to giving you joy at a time in your life that gave provision, their presence, and helped encourage you in some way. Pray for each one of them in thanksgiving to the Lord. Pause and reflect on the memory of how God has blessed you through this person. Send them a note by email or text thanking them. You will be giving them a far more generous gift than anything that can be bought on a store shelf or Amazon. Share your prayer of joy for how they have been a blessing to you. You will then be applying The Message version words of Philippians 1:3-4, “Every time you cross my mind, I break out in exclamations of thanks to God. Each exclamation is a trigger to prayer. I find myself praying for you with a glad heart.”
Dear reader, thank you for blessing me by reading my devotional thoughts and writings on the verse and portion of scripture I am studying for the week. You have blessed me with joy from the Lord that flows deep within my heart, and for that, I proclaim thanks to God, and I thank you with joy, overflowing! “My prayers for you are full of praise to God as I give him thanks for you with great joy!” Philippians 1:3-4 from The Passion Translation.
Listen to Phil Wickham’s Song In My Soul with lyrics.