Paul says that he prays for the church. He prays for all of them. He must have prayed for people he knew personally, such as Lydia, the slave girl, and the jailer (see Acts 16:1–40). Also for believers whom he had to warn (see Philippians 4:2), for everyone without distinction or partiality, with a view to the unity of the church. His intercession is not determined by preferences. Also, in Philippians 1:7–8 the word all
stands out.
His prayer is with joy. The word joy
occurs often in this letter. Philippians is therefore called the letter of joy. This joy is not a feeling that passes, but a gift from God. A joy that does not depend on one’s character or circumstances. A joy that is kept deep in the hearts of believers, even in the midst of sorrow (Philippians 2:27, Paul’s sorrow). This joy belongs to the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22), is connected with faith in Christ (Galatians 5:22). This joy is joy in the Lord
(Philippians 4:4): rooted in the bond with Christ. Here in Philippians 1:4, it is about Paul’s joy at the compassion and cooperation of the Philippians in the spreading of the gospel.
4 always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy,