“The undergirding of prayer”

By Rev. Michael Stonhouse

Meditation – Sunday, December 17, 2023

1 Thessalonians 5: 16-24 (Forward, p. 49) CEV p. 1240

Prayer, in its many and diverse forms, shows up repeatedly in this short passage from the apostle Paul. Here are a few of them:

a) Praise and thanksgiving: whatever happens, they should be thanking God because of Jesus Christ;

b) Discernment: while being fully open to the moving and direction of God’s Holy Spirit, they should also be cautious and test everything to

see whether it is really of God or not. They should have nothing to do with things that are not of God;

c) Supplication: personal prayer for holiness, that they will be kept healthy and blameless in spirit, soul and body until the return of Jesus Christ. They should trust that God will indeed do this for them;

d) Intercession: and in conclusion, Paul asks for prayer for himself, and also prays for them.

And so, prayer is something very much on Paul’s mind, and is, indeed, an essential, vital, and habitual part of his ministry. The question then remains: is it also such an important and vital part of our lives? Do we make it that kind of priority that it was so obviously so in Paul’s life? If it is not, it might suggest a reason why our lives, our ministries and our churches are not quite so effective as they might be. After all, Paul seems to think that it is absolutely vital. Something to think about.

Forward notes: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (verses 16-18).

“Paul’s letter to a new church in Thessalonica reminds me to give thanks in all things because this is what God through Jesus wants for us. It’s easy to call out, ‘Thanks,’ and to believe that’s an apt expression of gratitude. But to really feel grateful, to truly express thanks, requires that I dig to the root of my life and look at the origins of my blessings.

“I talk to my husband, my not-so-little daughters, and their spouses. I see our little house, our little yard, my little car, and my little office. I try to give thanks for all of these people, places, and things. And with God’s help, I give thanks in all circumstances, even when I don’t understand why. Nothing comes from myself. I try to do my part by acknowledging that.

Moving Forward: “Make a list of all the things for which you are thankful. Keep it close at hand and thank God frequently—in word and deed.”