When we pray for fellow believers, what do pray for? Usually, we pray for some kind of healing or comfort or safety. We may pray for someone having surgery. We may pray for someone traveling on vacation. The bulk of our prayers for one another in the faith oftentimes does not have much to do with our faith. We could learn a lot about true intercession from Paul’s prayers.
In Thessalonians, Paul prays that God would give these believers one thing, one vital thing, one thing essential to their faith and testimony and Christian growth. Paul prays that the Lord would cause them to love one another and all people as they should since they are believers, loved by God! “And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints” (3:12-13).
Notice Paul does not leave the increase of love in their hands! Paul prays that the Lord would “make” this happen! Sounds strange, but it is definitely true, even believers will not normally, naturally love one another! We need the Lord to work in our hearts. Also notice why Paul is so adamant about them loving one another! It is a crucial component of their sanctification and their preparation to meet the Lord! If we do not love one another and love all people, that is, living for believers and without prejudice, growth will not occur and we will not be ready to meet our Lord!
We need love for one another and for all people. It is inseparable from our faith!
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