“And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment,” Philippians 1:9
What a powerful prayer to pray for your fellow believers! How does this prayer compare to what you are praying for your brothers and sisters in Christ? As I examined my heart; my answer is: “It doesn’t!” I pray for the needs of those who ask; however, I wonder what would happen if I began to pray this scripture over those who ask for prayer.
Let’s examine this prayer.
Paul says, “And this I pray.” He is talking to his Heavenly Father. “…that your love may abound still more and more” Abound means to be prevalent or in great quantity. Paul is asking the Lord to pour un-limited love, through the Philippian believers.
Abounding love is evident to the saved and the unsaved. Abounding love displays grace, respect, kindness, and mercy with abandon. It’s the same kind of love that is poured out upon us by Christ Himself. It is a love that exhibits the fruit of the Spirit; when it’s convenient and when it’s not.
…”In real knowledge and all discernment.” What is real knowledge? It’s based upon the truth of God’s Word. Since Jesus is the Word; we ask Him to speak to our hearts, as we read It and receive It. Through God’s Word, He can change our perception of people and circumstances.
If God’s love abounds toward us; shouldn’t we pray for “real knowledge and all discernment” for our fellow believers? Let us ask Him to cause their love to abound more and more. Why should we pray this prayer for them? Verse 10:
“That they may approve the things that are excellent, and be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ.”
These are amazing qualities with which to petition the Lord, on behalf of your family and friends. Add verses 10-11 (see below) and pray them continually over your fellow believers. Three little verses; ordained by God, for Christians to pray over their family members, friends, missionaries, and pastors. Who do you need to pray this prayer over?
Prayer in Motion:
“And this I pray, that _____________’s love may abound still more and more in knowledge and discernment, that ____________ may approve the things that are excellent, that _____________ may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God”
