Paul loved the Christian community at Thessalonica. Throughout his letter to them he expresses his deep desire to visit them and the sorrow he experiences by not being able to. But though separated physically, Paul’s heart is very much with them, and his pastoral love is evident in his prayer quoted above.
As a pastor, I have been asked to pray with and for many people over the years. It is a privilege to do so. And one need not ask; many pastors—hopefully all—make prayer for their parishioners part of their devotional routine. Prayer is a work of love and participation in the ministry of God’s people.
I was remined of this by an elderly woman I visited with at a nursing home. She lamented that she could no longer attend her church, that she could no longer offer her services to the church’s ministry, but… She pulled a well-worn church directory from under the blanket on her lap. She said, “I can still pray.” She recounted how she prayed through that directory, A to Z, then started over again. That was her invaluable contribution to the ministry. It is a ministry we can all share.
Lord Jesus, teach us to pray. Amen. —