THE LEAST PRAYED PRAYER IN THE BIBLE

Phil 3;1-11                                      Rev. Mike Jones, Lebanon FWB Church

I can not guarantee this but it appears that the most prayed prayer recorded in scripture is the simple phrase AHelp Me@ (Used in prayer at least 8 times). I can understand the reason that Prayer would be so popular. On the other hand, I submit to you that the least prayed prayer I have heard is found in Phil 3:10. Let us look at this prayer and see why we should turn it into our most prayed prayer.

I. Paul had A Religion that did not add up. 3:1-9- But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. (Phil 3:7)

a) His old religion was a Job instead of a Joy- vs1-3 Beware of people who turn the Blessings of a relationship with the Lord into a heavy Burden of law keeping.

b) His old religion met Human Standards of “goodness” but it did not meet God’s requirements for a Righteous Relationship. Vs 4-7 It is one thing to be religious enough to get into the church, but quite another to be righteous enough to get into heaven

c) His old religion was a Righteousness that had to be Earned; and no matter what you did it was never enough! Now he was part of the body of Christ through Faith.

            - Faith was the way Abraham (the “father of Israel”) became the “friend of God”- And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. (James 2:23) (See also Romans 4:22).

      - Faith made “dung” out of man’s ideas about how to have a relationship with God through our own righteous efforts-  For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. (1 Corinthians 1:18‑19)

2. Paul prayed for a Religion that was transforming 3:10-11- This is the thing we pray for the least!! We want a Religion that makes us Happy, Prosperous, Popular, and Trouble Free.

      a) Paul prayed to be like Christ in his actions and attitude!

1) He prayed for an Intimate Knowledge of Christ in his heart- I want to be so acquainted with Christ until my heart beats like His heart and my mind thinks like His Mind.

2) He prayed for the transforming Power of Christ’s Resurrection in His Ministry- What can you do with a man who has battled with death and won!!! You can not head him off if you cut off his head! Most Christians stop at the Cross (Where the Disciples found defeat and discouragement) instead of celebrating the victory of the empty tomb.

3) He prayed to know the “fellowship of Christ’s Suffering” in his soul- You cannot love like He loves unless you are willing to suffer like He suffered. (The example of Mel Trotter who agonized over the sins of New York).

b) The Reason for this prayer was so the Transforming Power of the Resurrection would operate in Paul’s Life- vs 11. It is not enough to pray to be like Christ if you do not want to live like Christ in your Life!! If your religion does not change you then you need to change religions!

      Do you pray for God to bless you or for Christ to be formed in you? A million years from now which will be important?