Too often we pray prayers that are either panic-driven or self-focused. There are other times when we just do not seem to know what should be the focus of our prayers. Philippians Chapter One provides us with a key to real joy. And what is that key? That key is found in praying prayers that focus on bringing honor to Jesus Christ.

The name “Christ” is actually mentioned 18 times in this chapter alone. Maybe if we begin praying this kind of prayer, we might possess the same kind of joy that Paul did. “What kind of joy is that?”, you might ask. It’s a joy that allowed him to declare, “Actually, I don’t have a sense of needing anything personally. I’ve learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I’m just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I’ve found the recipe for being happy…*,” while he was sitting in prison.

I challenge us to pray the following prayer for the next seven days and see what the Holy Spirit does as He works the answer to this prayer into our hearts (attitudes):

vv. 3-4: Every time I think of God’s people, I will give thanks to my God. Whenever I pray, I will make my requests for God’s people with joy.

v. 5: I pray that I will continue to partner with others in spreading the Good News.

v. 6: I declare that…I am confident…that God, who began the good work within in me, will continue His work until it is finally finished.

v. 9: I pray that my love for others will overflow more and more, and that I will keep on growing in my knowledge and understanding of God.

v. 10: I pray that I understand what really matters, so that I live a pure and blameless life until the day of Christ’s return.

v. 11a: I pray that I’ll always be filled with the fruit of my salvation, which is a reflection of the righteous character produced in my life by the Holy Spirit.

v. 11b: I pray that the fruit produced in my life will bring much glory and praise to God.

v. 20: I pray that I’ll never be ashamed, that I’ll continue to be bold for Christ…and that my life will bring honor to Christ.

v. 25: I pray the Holy Spirit uses me to help others grow & experience the joy of their faith.

vv. 27-28: And above all else, I pray that I live as a citizen of heaven, conducting myself in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ, and that I am not intimidated in any way by the enemy (NLT). Now pray this prayer again for others!

* Philippians 4:11-13, The Message Bible

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