An Example of Prayer

In 1 Thessalonians 3:11-13, we have an example of Paul’s prayers for fellow believers. His prayers are instructive in that they demonstrate for us the importance of praying for one another and they show us how to pray for one another.

Here, Paul prays that God might direct him back to Thessalonica and that these believers might increase and abound in love – for one another and for all. The desired end result is that these believers might be found blameless in holiness.While Paul and his team desire to return to Thessalonica and express this desire to God, they recognize the sovereignty of God and are willing to accept His answer and His timing.

Love is the hallmark of the Christian faith. Love for one another in the church and love for those outside. Following God’s example. For God so loved the world. They’ll know we are Christians by our love.

Boundless love, wrought in us by God Himself, is a pre-requisite for being found blameless in holiness.

As we read this prayer and others like it in the Bible, we learn more about what it means to have a close walk with our Heavenly Father, how to be an encouragement to our brothers and sisters in Christ, and how to love those who are still outside the faith.

If we could just put into practice praying for one another to abound in love – true selfless love - how radically the church, the body of Christ, could change.

It’s the day before my five-day inpatient chemotherapy treatment. Today will be filled with many preparations – blood work at the local hospital, physical therapy, packing, and getting our children to the family that will be caring for them. I usually feel lousy the day before my treatment – anticipation, I guess. But this is the worst I have felt. Fevers. Nausea. Severe pain in both hip joints. Talk about hitting a man while he is down.

But God is in control. He will see me through the pain and discomfort. By God’s grace, I will seek to bring Him glory.

As usual, I will not have access to the Internet while in the hospital. Next Monday, I will attempt to recount my adventures. Until then, may God bless you.