TUESDAY November 16, 2021
A Joyful Prayer to God
I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now....
Philippians 1:3-5
I love to read the prayers of the Apostle Paul. In this particular prayer, he started with thanksgiving––I thank my God. Do you wake up each morning thanking God? Paul thanked God for the believers in Philippi. He did not forget to pray for them. Paul was an intercessor. He loved people and interceded for them in prayer. Paul was so compassionate and thoughtful of others. He was full of joy when he prayed. Joy is different from happiness; nobody can take away your joy––it is a fruit of the Spirit.
Included in Paul’s prayer was thankfulness for the financial offerings that had been given to him. He had so much joy because of the provision they had sent him for the work of the Gospel. He so appreciated the support. This is the same as our Calvary Chapel philosophy––you do not ask for money––you pray and wait. It is God who provides for the needs.
Like Paul, Christians can make requests to the Lord for other people. Please pray for me, my children, and my grandchildren. Especially pray for my wife as her tumors are growing. We are praying that God will stop the growth. Sharon has had fourth stage cancer for 14 years. God has been so faithful and graceful to us. She is still with me.
Yet there is a day coming when she will no longer be with me. I have my full confidence in God, knowing and believing that one day I am going to see her again. Every day, I need to enjoy her companionship as my wife and co-laborer in the Gospel of Jesus Christ!
If you have someone in your life who is battling cancer, give God the glory for the time you have with them. Watch over them, care for them, and love them.
Prayer without thanks-giving is like a bird without wings.
~William Hendriksen~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
