"Night and day praying exceedingly..."
Text: 1 Thessalonians 3:10
THE PRACTICE OF PRAYER
The Apostle Paul and Silas were both men of prayer. When they were in a jail in Philippi, they were singing and praying together (Acts 16:25). Prayer was a very integral part of their life and ministry.
“For what thanks can we render to God for you,
for all the joy with which we rejoice for your sake
before our God, night and day praying exceedingly
that we may see your face and perfect what is
lacking in your faith?”
1 Thessalonians 3:9-10
1. Three elements of prayer to be noted
a) The giving of thanks
b) The presenting of petitions to God
c) Intercession
2. “For what thanks can we render to God for you”
a) This giving of thanks was occasioned by the good news Timothy brought about the faith of the Thessalonians.
b) That the Thessalonians were holding fast to their faith brought great joy to the heart.
c) Paul and Silas felt greatly moved to give thanks to God on behalf of the Thessalonians.
3. “For all the joy with which we rejoice for your sake before our God”
a) Great joy was felt by Paul and Silas.
b) Their hearts were filled with great joy that their work at Thessalonica had not been in vain.
c) Such was the strength of their relationship.
4. “Night and day praying exceedingly that we may see your face”
a) Paul and Silas were motivated to pray further.
b) They still longed to see the Thessalonian brethren.
5. “And perfect what is lacking in your faith”
a) With the eyes of an apostle Paul saw areas of their faith that were lacking.
b) He and Silas had been there for only three Sabbaths and thus there were certain doctrines that they had not imparted to them yet.
c) They prayed earnestly that God would open the door of opportunity so that they could go to Thessalonica once again.
d) The Thessalonians were doing well. But Paul and Silas knew that they could do better if they were further instructed.