Pray for One Another

KEY VERSE: “We pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure o f his goodness, and the work of faith with power.” —II Thessalonians 1:11

SELECTED SCRIPTURE: II Thessalonians, chapter 1

THE SECOND LETTER to the Thessalonians was written shortly after the first. Both were the first letters the Apostle Paul wrote together with Silvanus (Silas) and Timothy as they toiled in their missionary work. After the first letter was sent with the news Paul had received through Timothy about their faith and love, more news was received about this congregation’s growth and afflictions. The news was good. They were making progress in walking in the footsteps of Christ. After the usual salutation invoking God’s grace and peace, Paul said, “We ought always to thank God for you, brothers, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love every one of you has for each other is increasing. Therefore, among God’s churches [congregations] we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring.”—II Thess. 1:3,4, New International Version

The brethren of Thessalonica were a good example to all the other congregations. They were receiving severe persecution and trials, but took these patiently. To encourage them, Paul tells them that these are necessary to prove them worthy of the great honor and blessings awaiting them in the kingdom of God. Also, he reminded them that those causing their persecution would be punished; but not now.

The rewards and punishments would not come until our Lord Jesus returned—and not only return, but when he would be revealed to all the world as well. The time referred to by the apostle is the establishment of God’s kingdom on earth, when “every eye shall see him” (Rev. 1:7), and when everyone is given an opportunity to know God and the good news of Jesus Christ as their Redeemer. Those who then refuse to know God and to accept Jesus as their savior will suffer “everlasting destruction.”—II Thess. 1:710

As Paul held up the Thessalonian brethren to other congregations as examples of faith and love, he also asked them to pray for the brethren in Thessalonica, because their persecution was very severe. All of us have the privilege of praying for one another, and especially for those who are going through severe trials. We can all look back at these difficult experiences in the Christian pathway and be glad for the prayers of brethren on our behalf.

Thus, the apostle assured these dear brethren that he, Silas, and Timothy were praying for them. They were not forgotten. “Wherefore also we pray always for you.” (vs. 11) Notice that Paul did not pray that the persecution cease. He knew that it was necessary for their development. It was as he had told the congregations on his first missionary journey: “We must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.—Acts 14:22

So, Paul’s prayer was that the brethren in Thessalonica might be found worthy of their calling, and fulfill God’s goodness and pleasure in characters developed, and above all, that “the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you.” (II Thess. 1:12) May our prayers for one another bear the same sentiments.

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