To the Romans, Paul wrote, “I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you because the news of your faith is being reported in all the world” (Romans 1:8-9). Paul was excited about his plans to visit Rome and was genuinely thankful for their testimony and witness in their pagan culture.
To his friends in Philippi, Paul wrote, “I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you, always praying with joy for all of you in my every prayer, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now” (Philippians 1:3-5). Paul was constantly praying for the Philippian church and giving thanks for their support, encouragement, and “partnership in the gospel.”
Likewise, Paul was thankful for the church in Thessalonica. “We always thank God for all of you, making mention of you constantly in our prayers” (1 Thessalonians 1:2). And similarly, Paul gave thanks to the Lord for what was happening in Colossae. “We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, for we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints” (Colossians 1:3-4).
Interestingly, Paul also gave thanks for the conflict-ridden church in Corinth. Although they were divided and struggling with moral issues and doctrinal purity, Paul was faithful to pray, always giving the Lord thanks for His church. “I always thank my God for you because of the grace of God given to you in Christ Jesus, that you were enriched in him in every way, in all speech and all knowledge” (1 Corinthians 1:4-5).
I want to pray better, bigger prayers. And, I want to learn from the great Apostle Paul about the mostly-untapped resources linked to prayer. Since this is true, I must begin praying more thankfully for those in my church, and for the ministries of the churches down the street and around the corner. I should spend time focused and devoted to giving thanks for the church’s ministers and members, missions and ministries.
“Lord, thank You for Your blood-bought, Spirit-filled, Gospel-centered, Bible-believing, mission-focused body of believers… Thank You for Your church!”
“… think on these things” (Philippians 4:8, KJV).
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