Ready:
“And I pray this: that your love will keep on growing in knowledge and every kind of discernment, so that you may approve the things that are superior and may be pure and blameless in the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God.” – Philippians 1:9-11
Set:
The greatest impact of a coach often happens not through the sport-specific skills they teach but through the character they model. The same can be said of an athlete: his or her impact on teammates is often far more about character than athletic ability. How then do we keep developing and living out the right character? One crucial aspect is prayer. We make praying for growth in character part of our prayer practice plan.
In Philippians 1:9-11, Paul prays that believers in Jesus would “be pure and blameless” and “filled with the fruit of righteousness.” He is praying for their character. We would do well to follow Paul’s example!
From this passage, here are three prayers for growth in Christ-like character to build into your prayer practice plan:
1. Pray for growth in loving Jesus and others well.
When Paul prays “that your love will keep on growing in knowledge and every kind of discernment,” he’s talking about both love for the Lord and love for other people. The more we love the Lord, the greater our understanding of His heart (knowledge) and how to live the way He desires (discernment). This leads us to love others well and wisely. Consistently praying for growth in love leads to growth in character.
2. Pray for growth in reflecting the righteousness of Jesus.
The “fruit of righteousness” is speaking, acting and relating to others just as Jesus—the Righteous One—would if He were in your situation. Every day brings unique opportunities and challenges. Pray that you would reflect Jesus in each situation as you go through the day.
3. Pray for growth in speaking and acting by the power and grace of Jesus.
Thankfully, we’re not on our own to try to live out the right kind of character. This character “comes through Jesus Christ.” It’s by His power and grace that you can coach, compete and live according to His character—no matter what the situation! Ask the Lord to help you draw upon His power and grace in how you speak and act.
As praying for growth in Christ-like character is part of your ongoing prayer practice plan, the impact you make will be significant. And this will be for “the glory and praise of God.”
Go:
What steps can you take to more consistently practice praying for growth in character?
In what specific areas of Christ-reflecting character do you need growth? Pray for the Lord’s grace and power in this area.
Workout:
Overtime:
"Lord, please grow me in loving You and other people well. By Your power and grace, enable me to increasingly reflect Your character in how I compete and live. I pray that my life would be filled with the fruit of righteousness for Your glory and praise. In Your name, amen.”