Philippians 1:4 - Exposition

Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy . Perhaps the first part of this verse is better joined with Philippians 1:3 , " I thank my God … always in every prayer of mine for you all ;" so Bishop Lightfoot The Greek word for "prayer" and "request "is the same, better rendered "my supplication," he as the R.V.; it implies not merely a lifting up of the heart to God, but an earnest entreaty for a necessary gift. We meet now for the first time with that "joy" which is the keynote of this Epistle. " Summa epistolae, Gaudeo; gaudete; " so Bengel, who continues, "This Epistle of joy well follows that to the Ephesians, where love reigns. 'The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy.' Joy gives life to prayer."