Hi Everyone,
One of the striking things about the letter of 1 Thessalonians, which we’re spending time in at the moment, is Paul’s prayerfulness. Just notice what we’ve seen in the letter already:
- Paul has been encouraged by what he’s heard of the Thessalonian Christians’ faith, so he begins his letter saying: “We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers.” (1:2)
- In chapter 2, Paul again says that he continually thanks God for the Thessalonians, this time because of the way they had previously accepted the gospel message as God’s word, not as merely the word of humans. (2:13)
- We looked at chapter 3 on Sunday and saw how Paul thanks God because of the joy he has in hearing of the Thessalonians standing firm in the Lord (3:9)
- In 3:10 Paul says he and his companions pray “day and night” that God might supply what the Thessalonians need to continue in faith.
- Paul finishes chapter 3 with this wonderful prayer:
11 Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you. 12 May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. 13 May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.
Paul’s attitude is a good encouragement for us to remember our dependence on God. God is the one who leads us to good gifts and is with us through hard things (See Psalm 23). God cares for us and wants to hear our prayers. And as we pray, we express and remember our dependence on him, growing to trust him more and more. Will you follow Paul’s example and be quick to thank God for the good things and bring the hard things before him?
A great way to express our dependence in prayer as a church is our 9am Prayer Time. Every Sunday there’s an opportunity to gather with a group of others before church and pray. We pray for one another, we pray that God would be with us by his Spirit as we gather together for that morning’s service. We pray for our church and that God would grow us, use us, protect us. We pray for those who are struggling with harder things. We thank God for his goodness and praise him together.
It’s a great way to begin our Sundays at church. You’re welcome to come along at 9am and join in with this group any Sunday. Even just to come and sit and listen to the encouragement as others pray. The bonus is you’re done by 9:30, ready to enjoy a coffee and get ready for church to start at 10am.
Looking forward to being together this Sunday,
Matt
Upcoming Events:
- May 17 – Adelaide Men’s Convention
- May 31 – Grace Conference
- June 22 – K’s Sending Service (Sunday afternoon at Barneys Church Croydon)