“And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God” (Php 1:9-11).
What boldness in prayer! If we’re coming to a rich and generous God, let’s take advantage of it! Paul prays down four exquisite gifts for the saints: 1. that they may be abounding, overflowing in love, knowledge, and discernment; 2. that they may be approving, carefully choosing only the excellent things in life; 3. that they may be authentic, being sincere in heart and morally wise in their decisions; and 4. that they may be accomplishing their divine purpose, bearing heaven’s fruit on earth and so bringing glory and praise to God. The Lord has put it into our hands through prayers like this to give our loved ones better riches than oil wells or gold mines!