Philippians 1:4

Always. Paul’s joy over his converts’ excellences was continuous.

Prayer. Gr. deesis, “a seeking,” “an entreaty,” “a supplication,” from deomai, “to ask,” “to beg.” The same word (deesis) is translated “request” later in this verse.

Joy. What a tribute to the Christian character of the Philippians that a knowledge of their experience brought joy, not agony of soul, to the apostle! This was not always the case with other churches (see 1 Corinthians 3:1-3; Galatians 4:19).