A Pattern for Gospel-Centered Prayer

Discovering UnExpected Joy
A Pattern for Gospel-Centered Prayer
Philippians 1:9-11
Application Questions for Week 4

Great movements of God often begin in
seemingly insignificant ways!

1. Reflect upon the connection between an increasing love that is shaped by Biblical knowledge and moral insight, with approving what is best (verses 9-10). Why must love be rooted in truth? What happens when it is not? How does increasing love shaped by truth and moral wisdom help you choose what is excellent?

2. In light of the previous question, what are the best things for which we should be praying? Give an example of praying for eternal things of value, rather than temporal things that will fade away?

3. What percentage of your prayers are shaped by praying for things of eternal value? Does this mean we are never to pray for temporal things such as health and daily needs? In light of this passage, how might you need to reform your prayer life in order to focus more on eternal things of value? Explain.

4. How does Paul avoid keeping this prayerful pursuit of excellence from becoming an idolatrous pursuit (verses 10-11)? How do you apply this to your own pursuits in prayer?

5. Philippians 1:9-11 is a form of intercessory prayer in which Paul is praying this not only for an individual Christian, but for the church as a whole? How would this kind of prayer for the church impact its unity, especially as it seeks to accomplish God’s will?