Father, show us how to follow the example of Paul. Grant us greater faith in trials, sincere forgiveness in our walk with others, increased boldness to defend the gospel, and courageous hope as you do a good work in us. May we look forward to the completion of that good work with unspeakable joy. I ask these things in the name and authority of Jesus, without whom there is no gospel, according to your good and perfect will. Amen.
“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.” (Philippians 1: 3-10 ESV)