The book of Philemon is the shortest book of the Bible at a mere 25 verses. It is a letter written from Paul, perhaps Timothy as a co-author, to Philemon and the home church where he resided. Although short the book contains some real meat. Aside from examples of brotherly love, the value of our home churches to the Kingdom, giving others the benefit of the doubt, advocacy for freedom, etc. It is, at minimum, an example of a prayer format.
Verses 1-3 are the greeting
Verses 4-7 are giving thanks
Verses 8-22 the request
Verses 23-25 closing remarks
Let's compare that to the example of prayer Jesus gave us:
Luke 11:2-4 (NASB)
Father, hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come.
Give us each day our daily bread.
And forgive us our sins,
For we ourselves also forgive everyone who is indebted to us.
And do not lead us into temptation.’”
Matthew 6:9-13 (NASB)
"‘Our Father, who is in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil."
What is your take-away from the book of Philemon?
Verses 1-3 are the greeting
Verses 4-7 are giving thanks
Verses 8-22 the request
Verses 23-25 closing remarks
Let's compare that to the example of prayer Jesus gave us:
Luke 11:2-4 (NASB)
Father, hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come.
Give us each day our daily bread.
And forgive us our sins,
For we ourselves also forgive everyone who is indebted to us.
And do not lead us into temptation.’”
Matthew 6:9-13 (NASB)
"‘Our Father, who is in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil."
What is your take-away from the book of Philemon?