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Paul’s famously inspired words in 1 Thessalonians 5:17, “pray without ceasing” really come to light when observing all of his two letters to the church in Thessalonica. As documented in Acts 17, Paul, Silas, and Timothy establish the Lord’s church there after spending three Sabbaths reasoning with them from the Scriptures (v. 2). Ultimately, angry Jews chase them out of town, leaving the newly found congregation to be on its own, but of course, not without having been taught and solidified with the Truth.
Paul commends these faithful children and greatly encourages them, by way of example, in his own prayer life to be ceaseless in prayer for others. He writes, “we give thanks to God always for all of you” (1 Thess. 1:2); “For this reason we also constantly thank God that when you received the word of God” (1 Thess. 2:13); “as we night and day keep praying most earnestly that we may see your face” (1 Thess. 3:10); “We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brethren” (2 Thess. 1:3); “To this end also we pray for you always” (2 Thess. 1:11); “But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren” (2 Thess. 2:13).
As is fitting, take time this season (and every season) to give thanks to God for everything, for this is His will for us (1 Thess. 5:18). But, also, don’t neglect your own requests for prayer. Paul twice asks the good brethren in Thessalonica to “pray for us” (1 Thess. 5:25; 2 Thess. 3:1). The constant encouragement of praying for others without ceasing will surely help see us through our spiritual walk together until our Lord comes again.
Jon Warnes
Brown Trail church of Christ
Bedford, TX