1 Thessalonians 1:1-5 … “We always give thanks to God for all of you and mention you in our prayers, constantly remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” vss. 2-3
This letter of Paul to the Thessalonians is the oldest section of the New Testament and gives a glimpse into the inner life and concerns of the earliest Greek followers of Jesus. As such, it’s instructive to see that Paul and his companions regularly mentioned and remembered this little congregation in their prayers. Just think of it! From the beginning, prayer has been the central ingredient of our life together in the church! Always and everywhere believers, whether together or separated, have lifted up prayers of thanksgiving and supplication for their brothers and sisters in faith. And we’re still doing it! While prayer is and has always been a mystery to many, it has persevered through the ages–most all of us have people and causes in our minds and hearts every day, and we lift them up to God. Skeptics might wonder why this is so, but the answer is simple. It’s what connects us together! And in this communal connection there is healing and hope. When we know we are being prayed for it makes an enormous difference in our sense of well-being–it’s a remarkable demonstration of compassion and care. During these last months of physical distancing, praying for others has been the prime way for congregations to remain united–and so it will continue!
Thought for the Day: Who is on my prayer list? Who is praying for me?
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