1 Thessalonians 1:1-5

“We always give thanks to God for all of you and mention you in our prayers, constantly remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labour of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” vss. 2-3

So far as we know this is the first line of Paul’s first letter to any of the congregations that he had ever visited. It’s touching that the first thing he says is that he is praying for each of them by name. What an example! Paul knew that there was nothing more important than lifting up the names of his loving and faithful friends, and remembering them before God.

Many believers continue that same practice in their lives. We often will say to others that we will pray for them, or assure hurting folks that they are in our prayers. But what a blessing it is when we actually do this! Some people have hundreds in their prayer lists and they go through that list every single day, whether it’s written on a sheet of paper or etched in their memories. 

And it makes a difference! We can’t prove that there is some measurable linkage between us and those for whom we pray, and perhaps there isn’t such a thing, but our prayers reflect our conviction that we are not alone in this world. Life itself is communal and we are connected to one another in a multitude of ways. Our prayers are a connecting point, and serve to keep our loved ones close. 

Thought for the Day: Who was on my very first prayer list?