Paul’s prayer life is worthy of emulation. On numerous occasions he expressed his habit of praying for his brethren. There is one example in particular that is worthy of notice:
“For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe” (1 Thessalonians 2:13).
What makes you thankful? Is it the physical provisions you enjoy? – house, food, health? Is it family? For Paul, these things were relatively unimportant. As a bachelor, he fully gave himself over to the things of God. He learned, “in whatever state I am, to be content” (Philippians 4:11).
What brought him joy, satisfaction, and a feeling of thankfulness, was the faithfulness of his brethren. Not only was he thankful, he made his gratitude known to God, “without ceasing.” The relative value of the word of God working effectively in the lives of men is worth the emphasis Paul gave it.
Are you grateful for God’s word? Are you mindful of the faithfulness of your brethren? Do you make it a frequent habit to give God thanks for both?
“Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men… For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior” (1 Timothy 2:1, 3).
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