Sometimes when we want to pray for other Christians, we might not know what to pray for exactly. Should we pray for God to bless them, provide for their needs, or for good health and strength? These are all good requests. Today’s reading shows us Paul’s heart in prayer and gives us additional prayer vocabulary.

Paul had not seen the Thessalonian Christians for some time, and he missed them dearly. It was like a father missing his children and longing to be with them again. Are there times when your parents are away, and they call you to make sure you’re doing alright at home? Similarly, Paul, as their spiritual father, cared for them with great affection. He showed this using his fervent prayers for them night and day.

Let’s see what Paul prayed for the Thessalonians Christians. We can learn to pray for these for ourselves and others.

1. Grow in faith (v10). Our faith must not stand still but continue to grow. Where does faith come from? Read Rom 10:17. Faith comes by __________ the ___________________. Pray that we will grow in faith through the study of God’s Word.

2. Love to increase (v12). The Greek word for love here is agape. Agape love describes God’s love to us – unconditional and sacrificial. This is the greatest form of love because it’s a selfless love in action. It doesn’t need a warm fuzzy feeling in order to show acts of love. If God so loved us, we ought also to love one another (1 John 4:12). Pray that we will increase in our love for each other and those around us, like God has so loved us.

What is the goal of an increase in faith and love? It is so that God may establish us u _ _ _ _ _ _ able in h_ _ _ _ _ _ _ before Him (v13).  This means to grow daily in our relationship with God and with man; that when Christ returns, He will be pleased with how we have lived our lives. Let’s learn from Paul’s prayer and pray the same for ourselves and others.

Thought: Prayer can change the one who prays.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the privilege of prayer. Help me to pray with conviction and according to your Word. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.