You will meet many people in your life, but how many of them do you pray for consistently?  Before we even think about the people that we meet, or the ones we consider friends – do you pray for your own family on a regular basis?  Are you thankful for your family?

The Holy Bible is full of good examples of the things that we should do, both big and small.  Jesus Christ is obviously the number one role model we should all have. Paul however, also brought forth many articulate teachings in the new testament and in his own right, provided some good examples for us to follow.  Here is but one of them from Philippians 1: 3-6,

Php 1:3  I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, Php 1:4  Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, Php 1:5  For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; Php 1:6  Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: 

Philippians 1: 3-6

Let’s split this into smaller pieces so it is easier to understand the minutia and make the scripture part of who we are by meditating on it. (Psalm 1)

In verse 3, Paul is firstly thankful for the Philippians every time that they come into his thoughts.  We are shaped by our choices which lead us into places and situations and God uses these opportunities to teach us. Paul is thankful not only for the Philippians but God working on his own heart.

In verse 4 and 5, Paul prays WITH JOY, for the Philippians in their gospel fellowship from even the first day he met them, and until this very moment. That is a massive sign of respect and thankfulness and love.

Finally, in verse 6, Paul expresses that he is confident that God will continue the work that He begun in these people because they were preached the gospel and listened until the second coming of Christ.  In other words, Paul is confident that his joyful but urgent prayers will be heard by God, such that he is confident that God will continue to guide the Philippians until the coming of Christ.

The questions for you are: have you prayed for your family? Have you thanked God for your family? Do you have joy in your heart?

These are but basic things we should do, but it does not mean they are easy. I know full well, and many of you do to. So start by committing your heart to a prayer for your family of joy, thankfulness, and Christ’s guidance forever and do this in private – between you and God.  After this, ask God for strength and boldness such that you can pray with your family.

God is with you!