The first chapter of Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonians begins and ends with grace: “grace and peace to you” in a salutation and the “grace of our God” in a closing prayer. Paul often included prayers in his letters to the churches he established. In yesterday’s reading Paul indicated that he continues to offer prayers of thanksgiving to God for the exemplary faith, love, and steadfastness of the Thessalonians.
Recently I complimented an elderly woman in my neighborhood on her dark brown shearling coat with matching hat. She responded, “Thanks for the encouragement.” Her comment prompted me to think about compliments in a new way. Indeed, sincere compliments are a form of encouragement, as is intercessory prayer.
In today’s reading, Paul includes a prayer of encouragement to the Christians in Thessalonica, “asking that our God will make you worthy of his call and will fulfill by his power every good resolve and work of faith.” Their steadfastness, love, and faith continue to grow, even in the face of persecution, because of Paul’s pastoral ministry, which includes intercessory prayer. We too are called to intercessory prayer.
Like the Thessalonians, we need encouragement and prayer as we seek to live out our call to discipleship, especially in our vocation and daily life ministries. Through God’s grace we can reflect the same type of commitment and thus honor God, even as we suffer and face difficulty.