The Unending Prayer

~~~ 2 Thessalonians 1:1-5, 11-12 ~~~ Psalm 96 ~~~ Matthew 23:13-22 ~~~

We always pray for you,

that our God may make you worthy of his calling...

It was Paul practice to always pray for those he had visited with...
those who had become believers.

Like Paul, you probably pray for many people
as you remember their needs.

But do you ever pray for God to make them worthy of his calling?
I would guess that has never come to your mind.
Worthy is an uncomfortable word because how
does one consider being worthy when it comes to God?

I wonder if the apostles ever considered themselves worthy
to have been called by Jesus to follow him?
How did Paul himself feel about his calling?

We cannot take our call to follow the Lord as routine or ordinary.
It would be good if we did have people praying
 that we would continue to grow in holiness.
If we are growing in our personal holiness
 then surely we are becoming more worthy of our calling.
It is only by the grace of God that we grow to become worthy;
it is never reached alone.

...and powerfully bring to fulfillment every good purpose

and every effort of faith...

Prayer is not just a tool or a means to get what you want.
Prayer is about becoming more of the person God intends for us to be.

God intends for us to do good while we are here on this Earth.
He wants us to get up every morning with this intention.

Paul does not pray for more food, more clothes, more attention
Paul prays for the spiritual health of those he is addressing in his letters.
Paul's prayer has no end. Paul's prayer is an ongoing prayer.
Paul's prayer is one of encouragement; we can always become better.

Paul is praying in union with the mind of God.
Paul knows what really matters in life.
Paul has the same desires as God does for those he prays for each day.

Our prayers for others might be for them to find their
purpose according to God's plan for them.

Have you ever actually prayed for someone's faith to be increased?
Perhaps that is what their soul needs more than anything else.
Paul teaches us to pray for the right stuff.

Consider a different approach to your prayer today.
Lord, how should I pray for ____ today?
Lord, give them your sense of purpose...
shield them from lack of faith.

Paul urges us to pray unceasingly.
Paul's message is about deep gratitude and love for God.
 We are Blessed by the teachings
and examples of St. Paul.

~~~Peace~~~