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
How should I pray for loved ones? What do I really want for my children and grandchildren, friends and family?
Paul prayed that the believers in Philippi would have enough love that there was some always left over (abounding). But, beyond that… a smart kind of love based in godly knowledge and application. I am intrigued by the word ‘discern’ which has the idea of ‘the perception leading to moral clarity’. Certainly, I want my family and friends to live in righteousness. Since our source of righteousness is Jesus Christ, I pray they stay connected to Him and obedient to His voice. And lastly, that their lives will be purposed for the glory and praise of God, not vain, self-aggrandizement, and glory.
Who comes to mind today that I can lift up in prayer?
God, as this day begins, I marvel at who is in my circle of family and friends. You’ve entrusted a wonderful group of cherished people. I pause to mentally to list them, one by one, asking You to fill them with Your love to the point of overflow; asking You to meet each of our deepest needs, empowering us to do Your will, and blessing us with unity and fellowship in the Holy Spirit.
