May 21, 2014
THE POWER OF PRAYER
Philippians 4
Katie. Morris
Central Truth
Paul reminds us that prayer is not simply a request but an opportunity for an honest conversation with God.
Key Verse | Philippians 4:5–6
Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. (Philippians 4:5-6)
Philippians 4
1 Therefore, my brothers, 1 4:1 Or brothers and sisters; also verses 8, 21 whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.
Exhortation, Encouragement, and Prayer
2 I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 3 Yes, I ask you also, true companion, 2 4:3 Or loyal Syzygus; Greek true yokefellow help these women, who have labored 3 4:3 Or strived (see 1:27) side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement 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 reasonableness 4 4:5 Or gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, 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 understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned 5 4:9 Or these things9which things you have also learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
God's Provision
10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
14 Yet it was kind of you to share 6 4:14 Or have fellowship in my trouble. 15 And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. 16 Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. 7 4:17 Or I seek the profit that accrues to your account 18 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. 19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Final Greetings
21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. 22 All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar's household.
23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
Footnotes
[1] 4:1 Or brothers and sisters; also verses 8, 21[2] 4:3 Or loyal Syzygus; Greek true yokefellow
[3] 4:3 Or strived (see 1:27)
[4] 4:5 Or gentleness
[5] 4:9 Or these things—9which things you have also learned
[6] 4:14 Or have fellowship in
[7] 4:17 Or I seek the profit that accrues to your account
Dive Deeper | Philippians 4
Far too often, I underestimate the power of prayer. I tend to put all the things I need in a box of prayer, wrap it with things I'm thankful for, and tie it up in a bow of "Amen!" I fail to remember that prayer is both simple and multifaceted. Prayer does not have a formula. God simply wants to hear from me. I can rejoice in thankfulness. I can confess my sins. I can express my love for Him, or even my frustrations. What a precious gift for such a high price: an opportunity given to us by the sacrifice of Christ Jesus to have an intimate, honest conversation with God.
Paul helps us put prayer into perspective by showing the Philippians the various ways they can communicate with God. Verses 4-9 are not merely how we should think about God, but also ways to converse with God. We can rejoice with Him at all times (verse 4), acknowledge His closeness (verse 5), ask Him to provide for us in our need with a thankful heart (verse 6), and receive His peace, which is beyond our understanding (verse 7). Paul encourages us to think (or pray) about whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, or praiseworthy (verse 8).
This passage is a great testament to the fact that all Scripture gives us an opportunity to pray to Him. We can express adoration for His sovereignty and power (Psalm 111), we can confess our sin to Him and receive His mercy (1 John 1:9), we can thank Him for His faithfulness when we are unfaithful (2 Timothy 2:13), and we can ask for His help in times of need (Hebrew 4:16). There is so much power in praying through Scripture.
And the beauty of it can be summed up in verse 19: "And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." Our prayer to God helps us express our need for Christ and the abundance of riches He offers.
Discussion Questions
1. Take some time to pray out the ACTS prayer plan: Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication. Invite your community group or family to do this with you.
2. Take a prayer Sabbath this week to reflect on what He is teaching you through His Word. Pray through what you're reading in Scripture.