CONTEXT AND BACKGROUND

1 Thessalonians 1:1

Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy,

To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:

Grace to you and peace.

Acts 17:1-10a

1 Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. 2 And Paul went in, as was his custom, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3 explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus, whom I proclaim to you, is the Christ.” 4 And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a great many of the devout Greeks and not a few of the leading women. 5 But the Jews were jealous, and taking some wicked men of the rabble, they formed a mob, set the city in an uproar, and attacked the house of Jason, seeking to bring them out to the crowd. 6 And when they could not find them, they dragged Jason and some of the brothers before the city authorities, shouting, “These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also, 7 and Jason has received them, and they are all acting against the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus.” 8 And the people and the city authorities were disturbed when they heard these things. 9 And when they had taken money as security from Jason and the rest, they let them go. 10 The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea.

1 Thessalonians 2:17

But since we were torn away from you, brothers, for a short time, in person not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face, 

1 Thessalonians 3:10

as we pray most earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith.

1 Thessalonians 2:18

because we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, again and again—but Satan hindered us.

1 Thessalonians 3:1-2

1 Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we were willing to be left behind at Athens alone, 2 and we sent Timothy, our brother and God's coworker in the gospel of Christ, to establish and exhort you in your faith,

1 Thessalonians 3:6

But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love and reported that you always remember us kindly and long to see us, as we long to see you.

TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

1 Thessalonians 1:2

We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, 

1 Thessalonians 1:2

We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, 

HOW WOULD YOU CHARACTERIZE YOUR PRAYER LIFE?

Jesus’ Example of a Life of Prayer

A. We need dedicated times of deliberate prayer

Mark 1:35

And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.

B. Be intentional to bring God into the day-to-day moments

Natural moments of the day

John 6:11

Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated. So also the fish, as much as they wanted.

Before significant decisions

Luke 6:12

In these days he went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God.

With Others

Matthew 19:13

Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people,

For Others

Luke 23:24

And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments.

1 Thessalonians 1:2

We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers,

Sincere, heartfelt prayer is the single greatest blessing you can give to a person. 

1 Thessalonians 1:2-3

2 We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, 3 remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.