Prayers Purpose in Conflict Philemon 1:4-7 What is Paul thanking God for? 1. Philemon’s love for all the saints. - “All the saints” = pantas tous agios - Do we lave a love for all of the saints? 2. The faith he has in the Lord Jesus. - Philemon 1:6 Paul moves from praying about Philemon to praying for Philemon. - Participation = Koinonia Notice the interrelationship between the words community and participation. - Why is understanding this participation important? - Philemon 1:7 So what is the purpose of prayer in conflict? - Prayer is the primer of the heart to activate the engine of forgiveness. Prayer primes us by aligning our hearts view with Christ’s view. - 27% can identify someone who they do not want to forgive. - 23% can identify someone who they cannot forgive. Are you a part of the 1/4 of believers who is struggling with forgiveness? Are you praying for them and that God would give you the ability to forgive them? Why should you forgive them? - Christ has forgiven you. - Ephesians 4:32 Next Step: Pray for the person you are bitter towards and that God would give you the ability to forgive them.