How do we pray for those who have not seen what we’ve seen, tasted what we’ve tasted, or experienced what we’ve experienced? While Paul might not give us a specific form to pray in this week’s text, he does give us an example of the kind of attitude, posture, or mindset to pray from – a posture that mirrors Chirst’s willingness to give up everything he had for others, in order for others to come close to God. Paul talks about this mindset in his letter to the Philippians church:

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
(Philippians 2.5-11)

As you pray today, position yourself in that mindset/attitude of Jesus and be alert to how that mindset shapes your prayer for others.

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About the Author

Isaac Gaff is the Managing Director of Worship and Creative Arts at Calvary UMC