3May all the gifts and benefits that come from God our Father, and the Master, Jesus Christ, be yours. (The Message)
Paul's first letter to the Corinthians begins with a greeting that we fairly quickly move past. But there is something in the verse above that I want to stop and consider. Paul is giving a blessing to the people to start with as he tells them that he wants them to experience every blessing that God could possibly give to them right now. It makes me stop and wonder why I might not pray the same thing for others?
- Am I concerned that God has limited blessings so that if someone else gets something good God won't have enough left over for me?
- Do I really think that you deserve the unlimited blessings that God is capable of or should you have to work as hard as I am just to get by?
- Do I think you need to suffer a bit first so that your ego gets under control and you become a bit more humble?
I'm sure the reasons could go on and on but the reality is that I've never walked down a street and prayed for each person that I see that God might pour out God's blessings in such overwhelming ways that they would be amazed by God's generosity. In fact I can't remember even praying this for those I love the most. I think I might have to change my prayer focus.
Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:
- Do you think Paul's greeting is honest or that he is just saying nice things that everyone expects?
- How might the people of Corinth heard these first few words from Paul?
- Do you pray for people to be blessed even more than you pray for your own blessings?
- Today make a point of praying for someone that you are not related to in a way like Paul here that they might receive all of God's blessings; physically, spiritually, and materially.
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