Praying for one another

Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all. - 2 Thessalonians 3:16

-THIS SUNDAY'S TEXT-

Paul understood the necessity of prayer. In his two letters to the church of Thessalonica, Paul addresses prayer 13 times. In the last chapter of his second letter, Paul spends 6 of the 18 verses focusing on prayer.

Read 2 Thessalonians 3:1-18

Notice Paul’s words in verse 1 – Finally, brothers (sisters), pray for us…

For what does Paul ask the church to pray? (verses 1-2) Take notice of Paul’s request. It really explains what is important to him.

Why do we pray? (verse 3 - …the Lord is faithful) While Paul understands his desperate need for God to work, he understands that God is faithful to work. Men are not faithful, and not all men even have faith, but the Lord IS faithful. And one way we depend on our faithful Lord is through prayer.

Notice how quickly Paul transitions from his prayer request to the faithfulness of the Lord and then on to encouragement and prayer for the church.

In all of this, where is Paul’s confidence? (verse 4) Paul’s confidence in the faithfulness of the church is found in the Lord.

Paul is confident in the Lord (about the church) regarding what? (verse 4) The Lord is faithful to bring His church along in faithfulness, living lives in obedience to the Lord.

In verse 5, Paul prays for the church. How does Paul pray for the church? This really explains what is important for the church.

-CONSIDER & MEDITATE-

READ 2 Thessalonians 3:16. Think on this verse. What does it mean? What is the relationship between the Lord and peace?

-PRAYER & THANKSGIVING- Dear church leaders and members, we can learn much about how and why we pray for each other. As we are united in Christ, lets faithfully keep one another before the Lord through prayer.

Close your time today praying for The River Family with verse 16 in mind.