2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12 (NRSV)
Read 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12 on biblegateway.com
Chapter 1Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Verse 2Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Verse 3We must always give thanks to God for you, brothers and sisters, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of everyone of you for one another is increasing. Verse 4Therefore we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your steadfastness and faith during all your persecutions and the afflictions that you are enduring.
Verse 11To this end we always pray for you, asking that our God will make you worthy of his call and will fulfill by his power every good resolve and work of faith, Verse 12so 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.
Devotion
Paul displays the skills of an effective leader. He begins his letter to the small congregation of new Christians at Thessalonica by complimenting them on their growing faith and increasing love for one another. His affirmation has the effect of encouraging them to further strengthen these attributes. But then, recognizing that they need to continue to build on their strengths, he says “we always pray for you, asking that our God…will fulfill by his power every good resolve and work of faith.”
Like the Thessalonians, we benefit by both affirmation and encouragement. On those Sundays when our worship begins with the ancient words of the Kyrie, this prayer affirms and encourages the community of believers:
“…for the well-being of the church of God…let us pray to the Lord.”
“For this holy house [this congregation], and for all who offer here their worship and praise, let us pray to the Lord.”
Take note of this affirmation and encouragement the next time you pray the Kyrie.
Prayer
Lord God, help me follow the example of Paul in affirming and encouraging the faith of others. Amen.