Paul addresses tension in the Philippian church but teaching intention and retention and in so doing gives us a way to pray effectively.

Paul asks for prayer for himself. We see Paul's plans and Paul's prayer. In Paul's prayer, we learn four valuable lessons.

We learn from Paul's prayer that the church, united in Christ, has the power to change the world.

The context of Paul's prayer reveals the character of God. The content give Him praise for who He is-

As children of God, we'll be like Christ in eternity, so we must strive toward his righteousness in this life. As he is, so we must be.

In order to understand Paul's prayer, we have to acknowledge two biblical truths- God is absolutely sovereign. Human beings are totally responsible.

Paul develops his prayer strategy in two stages. We see the context, then the content.

Paul teaches us to pray while laying down three building blocks.

Paul teaches the new church at Thessalonica a foundational prayer and a foundational lesson.

Life is about Christ, the bread of heaven, the Word made flesh who gives us life. We're called to respond to the gospel by walking as he walked, in complete and undivided devotion to God.