1 Thessalonians 1:2 - A Thankful Heart That Prays

“We give thanks toGod always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers.” What abeautiful verse! In just a few words, Paul teaches us something aboutthankfulness, people, and prayer. First,notice that Paul says, “We give thanks to God.” Paul had many reasons tobe concerned about the believers in Thessalonica. Remember, this was a veryyoung church. Paul had only been with them for a short time before persecutionforced him to leave the city. You can read about this in Acts 17. Paul hadpreached in the synagogue, people had believed, and almost immediatelyopposition arose. A mob was formed, Jason’s house was attacked, and Paul andSilas had to leave Thessalonica by night. Paul must have wondered, “How arethese new believers doing? Are they standing firm? Has the persecutiondiscouraged them? Are they remaining faithful to Christ?” Then Timothy returnedwith the wonderful news that they were continuing in the faith. SoPaul says, “We give thanks to God.” Notice that Paul didn't simply say,“We are proud of you.” He thanked God for them. Paul understood that whateverspiritual growth he saw in their lives was ultimately the work of God. That isa good reminder for us. When we see God working in our children, grandchildren,friends, church family, or someone we have influenced for Christ, we shouldencourage them—but we should also remember to thank God for what He is doing intheir lives. ThenPaul says: “We give thanks to God always for you all.” I love those twowords: “you all.” (Especially since I’m from the south.) Paul wasn't simplythankful for the prominent members of the church. He wasn't thankful only forthe people who were easy to get along with. He thanked God for all of them. Everyperson mattered.Sometimeswe become so accustomed to the people God has placed around us that we forgetwhat a gift they are. Maybe today we should stop and think about some of thepeople God has placed in our lives. Your husband or wife. Your children andgrandchildren. A faithful friend. Someone who prayed for you. Someone whoencouraged you when you were discouraged. Someone who helped you along yourspiritual journey.Haveyou thanked God for them lately? ButPaul doesn't stop with thanksgiving. He continues: “Making mention of you inour prayers.” Paul's gratitude became prayer. He didn't merely think aboutthese people. He prayed for them. And notice the expression, “making mentionof you.” I believe there is something important about mentioning peoplebefore God by name.ThroughoutPaul's letters, we discover that he had a remarkable prayer life. He traveledconstantly. He preached. He planted churches. He suffered persecution. Yetsomehow Paul continued carrying people in his heart before God. That challengesme. It is easy to tell someone, “I'll be praying for you.” But the realquestion is: Do we actually pray for them? Whensomeone comes to your mind today, perhaps instead of simply thinking aboutthem, turn that thought into a prayer. “Lord, bless them.” “Lord, encouragethem.” “Lord, give them wisdom.” “Lord, meet their need.” “Lord, draw themcloser to You.” It doesn't have to be a long prayer.  Paul says, “We give thanks to God always.” Prayerand thanksgiving were not occasional activities for Paul. They were a way oflife. That reminds us of something Paul will tell these same believers later inthis letter: “Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this isthe will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17–18).Interestingly, Paul practiced in chapter 1 what he preached in chapter 5. Hewas continually praying. He was continually giving thanks. Maybe that is ourchallenge for today. Think of someone. Thank God for them. Then mention theirname in prayer. And perhaps even take another step. Send them a message, make aphone call, or tell them: “I thanked God for you today.”Younever know how much that simple word might encourage someone who desperatelyneeds it.