{RE:} Every Time I Remember You

Read: Philippians 1: 1-11

"To all God's holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and the deacons:

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and Lord Jesus Christ.
I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending the gospel, all of you share in God's grace with me. God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.

And this is my prayer:
that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight,
so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,
filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ - to the glory and praise of God."


Reflect:

Paul is writing a love letter to the church in Philippi. It is a letter filled with gratitude and joy that is found in community (even in the imperfect ones). The community he writes to encourages one another and their love produces perseverance and helps them to become deeper disciples. Paul is writing this letter from prison, but remembering this beautiful community brings him confidence and hope.

Paul considers the church his "partners"  - some translations say "fellowship" but I think that often makes us think of coffee hours after service. Being partners in the gospel is much more than just friendship or sharing a meal. Partners in the gospel encourage one another as they accomplish the work God has given them to do. 

• Remember those who have been partners in the gospel with you and give thanks for them this morning.

The way we read this passage sounds like "I remember you in prayer" - we often tell people that we are praying for them. However, there are probably times when that is more of a trite answer than on honest statement.
Paul is telling the church two things:

• 1 - That when he thinks of them, he is brought to a place of gratitude in prayer. Who are people in your life that you bring you gratitude every time you think of them?
• 2 - That he remembers to pray for them. Who do you need to remember in prayer this morning? If there is someone in your life who needs God's healing, encouragement, etc can you commit to praying for them regularly? Maybe write their name on a post it and put it on your computer or mirror to help you remember them in prayer!

Paul isn't just praying "God bless the church in Philippi," though! What follows is the prayer he has for the church he loves. He states with confidence that there is still work left to be done in them. His specific prayer for them is that they would grow in love, wisdom, knowledge, and righteousness. In other words, his prayer is that they would become mature disciples of Christ - a people transformed.

• What is your specific prayer for the community of faith that surrounds you?
• Be encouraged this morning that, while you are praying for others, they are also praying for you! Be encouraged that Paul's words written 2,000 years ago can be spoken to you. That the work God has begun in you will be completed - he is not finished with you. Let's keep growing together!

Respond:

A prayer of St. Patrick - 5th Century

I arise today
Through the strength of heaven;
Light of the sun,
Splendor of fire,
Speed of lightning,
Swiftness of the wind,
Depth of the sea,
Stability of the earth,
Firmness of the rock.

I arise today
Through God’s strength to pilot me;
God’s might to uphold me,
God’s wisdom to guide me,
God’s eye to look before me,
God’s ear to hear me,
God’s word to speak for me,
God’s hand to guard me,
God’s way to lie before me,
God’s shield to protect me,
God’s hosts to save me
Afar and anear,
Alone or in a multitude.
Christ shield me today
Against wounding

Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,
Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down,
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in the eye that sees me,
Christ in the ear that hears me.

I arise today
Through the mighty strength
Of the Lord of creation.

(HERE is a really great song based on this prayer for your St. Patrick's Day!)