And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;  that ye may approve the things that are excellent;  that ye may be sincere and without offense till the Day of Christ; being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ unto the glory and praise of God.”

Phil. 1: 9-11 KJV

Often when we ask for prayer or others ask us to pray for them, it is usually about a specific issue that we or they are facing or dealing with at the time.  And we should pray for one another concerning such things.  That is called “bearing one another’s burdens”.  (Gal. 6:2). 

But in the Body of Christ, it is equally important that we pray for those things that strengthen and deepen our understanding and walk with the Lord.  In Philippians, Paul lists those vital things that we should continually pray for one another.  These things will help us individually and will help us corporately as a Body. 

1. Pray that we will grow in love for one another. Our love for one another should be genuine and continue to grow and deepen as we walk with Christ.  Such love should permeate the entire Body.  (John 13:35). 
2. Pray that we will continue to grow in the knowledge and truth of the Lord Jesus. Our understanding and knowledge of Christ and Biblical Truth should continue to grow and increase.  (John 1: 14, 17). 
3. Pray that we will continually focus on those things that are excellent (those things that have real value and meaning). We should not allow ourselves to get distracted by non-essentials.  Pray that in all things we will keep our focus on Jesus!  (Heb. 12:2). 
4. Pray that our hearts will be genuine and sincere in our walk with the Lord, doing our best to not bring a reproach to the Name of Christ or to be offensive toward one another. (1 John 1: 6-7).
5. Pray that the Fruit of Christ (the fruit of the Holy Spirit) might be manifested in us and through us individually and corporately as the Body of Christ.  (Gal. 5: 22-25).   

If we pray for one another concerning these things we will grow individually and corporately as a Body!

Rev. James W. Black