1 Thessalonians 1:1-3:
Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
2 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers;
3 Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father.
1 Thessalonians 2:13:
13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.
1 Thessalonians 3:9-11:
9 For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God;
10 Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?
11 Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you.
In another scripture, the writer, perhaps Paul, encourages proper protocol toward spiritual leaders. Hebrews 13:17 declares: Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
Apostles and Pastors are under great responsibility concerning those they lead. They watch for their souls knowing they are accountable here and hereafter for those they have been given charge over and who submit to their leadership. It is preferable that when these caretakers come before God in prayer that they be able to do it with thanksgiving and joy and not in a sense of grief over those in their care. Many a leader must weep when they think of some of their people. It is a great relief when a leader thinks about and prays for his people, that he can do it with joy and thanksgiving. That is the ideal Apostolic Prayer.
I said all that to say this: The Thessalonian church brought great joy to Paul. He says repeatedly he is thankful for them.
In 2:20 he says: 20 For ye are our glory and joy.
Paul concludes this great epistle with three references to prayer.
1 Thessalonians 5:17, 23, 25:
17 Pray without ceasing.
23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
25 Brethren, pray for us.
1. He encourages a life of prayer.
2. He continues to pray for their tripart preservation in the Gospel.
3. He concludes asking for prayer for himself and his ministry team. The great man of prayer requests prayer from this exceptional body of believers.
With all their other commendable attributes, the Thessalonian church was a praying church. The great Apostle trusted their ability to cover him in prayer. They had reached the level of Apostolic Prayer.
Are you there yet? -PJF-
Purpose! Ministries
A Praying Church - A Healing Church - A Holy Spirit Church - A Preaching Church
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