Pray The Good September 22

Philemon 1:4-7

I always thank my God when I mention you in my prayers, because I hear of your love and faith towards the Lord Jesus and for all the saints. I pray that your participation in the faith may become effective through knowing every good thing that is in use for the glory of Christ. For I have great joy and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.

HCSB

A good news prayer, a Gospel prayer, notice that Paul prays for his friend Philemon from a position of Thankfulness. He prays for his good qualities, telling Jesus how good of a person Philemon is.

I think most of us are guilty when it comes to praying for the poor qualities of our friends and family, pointing out to God what we believe to be potentially wrong with them.

From a heart filled with love for his friend, he prays the good qualities to God, and then, as though Paul has promoted Philemon to the Lord, he asks God to grant Philemon the gift of knowing every good thing that is in use for the glory of Christ.

Paul wants Philemon to see the good traits in people, the best quality in others. I was truly fortunate to study and learn under the teachings of Dr. Sandy Powell; she has this gift of knowing the best qualities in others and making every student feel special. It’s love that reflects the qualities of Christ.

Maybe if we pray for the best traits in others, it will help us to have:

Great joy and encouragement

He is: Yahweh-Channun

God if Grace

Blessing’s