“Jan 29, 2024 - How to Pray for Others”

Sunday, January 28, 2024

How to Pray for Others

Reading:  1 Thessalonians 1:1-5
    
    Shortly after the conversion of the Thessalonians, Paul was run out of town (Acts 17:1-10).  He spends the following weeks and months on pins and needles, concerned that these new Christians have lost their faith or been cowed by their persecutors.  This letter is Paul’s expression of joy upon hearing that they are doing well.  “We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers”(1 Thess 1:2).  Paul has a very active prayer life in which he is always thinking of his brothers and sisters and bringing them before God.  He prays “remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ”(1 Thess 1:3).  Paul brags on them to God, recounting to him all faith, love, and hope they have shown in tough circumstances.

    But he also insists that he is not just impressed with them.  “For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction”(1 Thess 1:4-5).  Their response to the gospel is proof that God “has chosen you.”  Paul himself seems surprised at the awesome thing God has done by winning over even these people—idolaters, foreigners, and strangers.  God has been at work.

    Paul teaches us here how to pray for others.  We make a habit of “constantly mentioning you in our prayers”(1 Thess 1:2).  We “remember” things to God—the good things others have done and how their efforts encourage us and give him glory.  We praise people when they show faith.   We also praise God for choosing such people, building such faith, and strengthening them through hardship.  

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One Thing to Think About:  Who am I praying for like this?

One Thing to Pray For:  Gratitude for the faith, love, and hope I see around me
 

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