True & Beautiful Things About the Bible--New Testamentনমুনা

1 Thessalonians: An Answer to Prayer

Something special happens between followers of Jesus Christ when we pray for each other. Often, it’s even more meaningful when someone says, Can I pray for you right now? And then they bow their head and enter God’s throne room of grace on your behalf.

First Thessalonians is Paul’s prayer letter for the young Christians facing persecution for their faith. He had been praying for them and then got a good report on how they were doing. He greeted them first in the letter by saying, in effect, “Let me pray for you right now”—and then prays three times in this very short note.

The first prayer was filled with thanksgiving to God for their faithfulness. You wouldn’t have guessed it by their attitude and actions that they were in the hardest season of their lives. But their joy in Jesus and their focused commitment to keep following Him proved their hearts belonged to Him, and they considered the sacrifice well worth it.

Later in his letter, Paul interrupted his instruction on end times to pray for them again (3:13). He asked the Lord to help them endure to the end. Help them grow in their capacity to love each other and be strong in their commitment to live a holy life—a challenge especially real in their very sexualized, carnal culture. Instead, be known as God’s people, Paul says. Love each other. Hold on to what is true. Work hard at your job. Have a good reputation in the community, and serve others’ needs. Fix your hope on Jesus and nothing else.

Finally, Paul asks God to fill them with hope and permeate their lives with holiness. Help them meet every opposition with grace and love. He then follows this prayer with one of the Bible’s most compelling, shortest, and varied lists of instructions (5:16-22). Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances. Don’t hinder the Holy Spirit’s work in your life. And however God leads you, trust He will provide what you need.

What a counter-cultural, beautiful way to live. Let’s pray this way for each other.

Ask the Lord for the opportunity to pull someone aside soon and say, “Can I pray for you right now?”

Next: Are these the last days?