³ I thank my God every time I remember you. ⁴ In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy ⁵ because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, ⁶ being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. ⁷ It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. ⁸ God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. Phil 1:3-8

Paul was always praying for people and we should do the same. His recorded prayers were never shallow, but rich in doctrine and with nuggets for life. Here we fish out a few reasons why we must pray for others.

1. We celebrate our partnership in the Gospel. Prayer for your brothers and sisters in Christ. Not only are they saved by grace just as you are but they are also your partners on the mission that Christ has set you on.
2. We express our confidence that they will succeed. Our confidence is in God. Through the Gospel, he has begun a good work in them and he will see it through.
3. We must be carrying our Christian brothers and sisters in our heart, rejoicing in their joys and helping carry their burdens.
4. We love them deeply, longing for them with the affection of Christ.

Dedicate this day to praying for your brothers and sisters in Christ. Start now by choosing two or three that are close to your heart and thank God for them. As Paul did, pray with joy!

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