“We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers” (1 Thessalonians 1:2).
TEXT — 1 Thessalonians 1:1-4
Message
Richard J. Foster commented, “If we truly love people, we will desire for them far more than it is within our power to give them, and this will lead us to prayer.”
There is a sure balm in such expressions as “I’m praying for you,” “I/We will not cease to pray for you” or “You’re always in our prayers.” When we receive such kind words from fellow believers, friends, and relations, they inspire hope, boost our faith, and give us a feeling of shared burden. Irrespective of what we are going through, we feel some relief.
The Thessalonian brethren must have been greatly encouraged by the kind words received from Apostle Paul (together with Silvanus and Timotheus), which showed that they were not only praying for them but were doing so continuously. These ministers had laboured over the church and were glad and thankful to God for the gracious work the Lord was doing among the brethren as fruits of their labour. They specifically identified the church’s work of faith, labour of love, and patience of hope.
Observe how this commendation of the Thessalonian church contrasts with Christ’s comment on the Ephesian Church, which had left their first love: “I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience.” Both churches had work, labour, and patience, but the Thessalonian church’s efforts were positively qualified. Through these manifest graces, the church proved its election by God. Apostle Paul and other ministers’ prayers focused on preserving and improving these spiritual qualities.
We may not all be apostles and pastors, but the beautiful habit of praying for others is worth our cultivation. How often do we pray for others? When we do, what do we focus on? We frequently assure friends, relations, Christian brethren, and others of our prayers but forget to do so. Are there not things we can remember about them to thank God? Are there no needs, especially spiritual concerns, that should constantly compel us to pray for them? But you can cultivate the habit of remembering to pray for others.
Listed among “500 most powerful people on the planet” by the Foreign Policy magazine in 2013, Pastor (Dr.) William F. Kumuyi is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. DCLM started in 1973 as a 15-member Bible study group right in Kumuyi’s apartment at University of Lagos where he was a lecturer. His revolutionary Bible teaching on personal holiness and commitment to evangelism soon gained so much traction and resulted in a widespread revival.
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