Several of you from Truth Seekers Class at Trinity Church have requested that I post the following from our Bible study Sunday in “Coffee with the Lord.” It is an adaption of Paul’s prayers in 1 and 2 Thessalonians for personal prayer for fellow Christians we may be concerned about. Enjoy… and use it as a pattern for your prayers for “one another”
Praying with the Apostles
The Apostolic Prayers of 1 & 2 Thessalonians
Paul, the apostle was faced to leave those who had recently come to Christ through his ministry in Thessalonica before he was able to disciple them. (Acts 17:1-10a) After leaving under duress he received an encouraging report about the believers there from Timothy. There were, however, some concerns. They were facing persecution, some doctrinal issues unsettled them, immoral behavior was also concern and just practical Christian living in a pagan culture posed a problem.
Paul’s prayers in these two closely related epistles thus provide a pattern of prayer for us as we pray for fellow Christians that we may be concerned about…
1 Thessalonians 1:1–3 (ESV)
O, Father God, I thank you for my brothers and sisters! These things about them especially come to mind…
- Their work of faith (i.e. every work they’re engaged in because of their faith in You)
- Their labor of love (i.e. everything they do for others and You because of Your love at work in their lives)
- And the steadfastness of their hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the face of all kinds of challenges.
1 Thessalonians 3:9–13 (ESV)
Oh, Father… Dear Jesus… make it possible for me to see them again! They fill my heart with thanksgiving! What joy I feel to You for them! I pray earnestly night and day for the opportunity to see them again face to face and supply what is lacking in their faith!
But in the meantime Lord…
- Make the love they have for fellow Christians increase and abound (as well as for everyone else)!
- Lord please establish their heart so that they are blameless in holiness before you and that they’re ready for the Second Coming.
1 Thessalonians 5:23–24 (ESV)
Oh, may the God of peace…
- Sanctify them (set you apart to Himself) completely (through and through – in every way)!
- May their whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless so that they’re ready for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
He is the one who called you to Himself… He is faithful and He will surely do it!
2 Thessalonians 1:1–3 (ESV)
Oh God, I thank you for my brothers and sisters in Christ! I thank you today because…
- Their faith is growing abundantly!
- And the love they have for one another is increasing!
2 Thessalonians 1:11–12 (ESV)
Lord, this is my continual prayer – my “always prayer”…
- That You would make them worthy of what You have called them be/become
- That You would fulfill… by Your power…
– Every good thing they resolve or desire to do
– And every work they’re engaged in because of their faith in You
And the reason I pray this? So that Your Name may be glorified!
2 Thessalonians 2:13–17 (ESV)
Oh Lord, Its right for me to give thanks to You on these brothers and sisters You love so much! And I do, because…
You chose to save them through sanctification by the Holy Spirit and belief in the truth.
And I pray that You – the One who loved us and has given us eternal comfort and hood hope through Your grace – will do the following on their behalf…
- Comfort their hearts
- And establish them in every good work and word.
2 Thessalonians 3:5 (ESV)
Oh Father, please direct the hearts of my friends…
- Your love
- And the steadfastness of Christ, Himself.
2 Thessalonians 3:16 (ESV)
Lord of peace please give my friends Your peace…
- At all times
- And in every way.
And be with them in all the things they are facing!
Coffee With The Lord 