With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith. We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Constant prayer is evidence of a heart that has a passionate love for others. Paul, Silas, and Timothy loved the Thessalonians well, and they actively prayed for them.
Their prayer was focused on three main objectives: worthiness, help in the desire to do good, and that they would glorify the name of Jesus Christ. So many prayers are vague and lack a target. These prayers are to the point and call God to action — such a difference!
Their prayer that God would make them worthy of his calling speaks to a life lived after Jesus. Disciples would try to emulate their Rabbi or leader in those times. They tried to follow in their footsteps, doing the good works they did, treating people with kindness, seeking the truth. Our call is no different; we are to be worthy of the call of Christ Jesus by imitating him.
Finally, they prayed that God would help the Thessalonians see through to completion their good intentions, to the actual good deeds themselves. This is a prayer that their faithfulness to think and act like Jesus does not get crowded out by the worries and busyness of the world and its evil ways.
When I think of the relationships Paul, Silas and Timothy have here with the Thessalonians, it is one of great value and special interest in their growth. Like that of a spiritual father. And this comes across in their commitment to constantly pray for them.
Thank you, Lord, for this example of a prayer life that works — it is constantly working and it is effective in its targeted intent. Help me to learn to pray more powerfully for others and value them highly!
I’m trying to grow in turning anxious or negative thoughts into a prayer instead. Taking every thought captive is a command in Scripture- not just a suggestion- and most of the battle lies between our own two ears!