If you're a parent, maybe you’ve had this experience. Or maybe you remember from your own childhood. My sisters and I grew up around water. When I had my own kids, I wanted them to respect the water. I remember when my son was a young age bringing him to the pool. He stood on the ledge, toes curled over the side, not sure. So, I jumped in first. I stood right in front of him, held out my arms, and said, "Jump! I’ve got you!" And you know what? He didn't jump because he was an Olympic swimmer or because he felt super brave. He jumped because he trusted his dad was already in the water, ready to catch him.
That is exactly how we approach prayer today. In Philippians 1, Paul has some encouragement for us. We aren't standing on the edge trying to muster up performance, emotional intensity, or the right "magic words" to get God to pay attention. God is already in the water! He initiated the relationship through Jesus, and His arms are wide open.
Listen to what Paul writes in Philippians 1:3-6: "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."
Look at three big truths we get to stand on today:
1. We Pray with Godly Confidence: Paul says he prays with joy and confidence. But notice where that confidence comes from! It’s not self-confidence. It’s not based on how spiritual Paul felt that morning or how long his prayer list was. It is 100% Godly confidence. Because of Jesus’ finished work on the cross, the curtain is torn! You don't have to prove yourself to God today. You are already His beloved child. You can jump into his arms with total freedom.
2. We Have Solid Assurance: Paul reminds us that God is the one who began a good work in you. You didn't start your faith journey on your own, and you don't have to sustain it by your own willpower. God called you, claimed you, and gave you faith as a gift. And because He started it, He promises to carry it through. Prayer isn't a transaction where we bargain with God; it’s resting in the unshakable assurance of His promises.
3. We Have Hope in Jesus: When we bring our burdens, our community, and our loved ones to God, we do it with ultimate hope. Isaiah 58:11 gives us this beautiful picture: "The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail."
Even when life feels dry or overwhelming, our hope doesn't depend on our circumstances. Our hope rests in Jesus—our living spring whose grace never runs dry!
So as we head into our individual prayer time:
Self Reflect: Where are you relying on your own strength instead of resting in Christ’s finished work?
Intercede for Others: Bring your needs, our church, and our neighbors to the Father today with joy, trusting that He who began this work is faithful to complete it.