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Daily Devotions

1 Thessalonians

1 Thessalonians 
Day 
Day 34

"Now may our God and Father Himself..."

Text: 1 Thessalonians 3:11

PRAYING AND TRUSTING IN GOD

Paul and Silas had expressed their desire to see the Thessalonians. However, their attempts were thwarted time and again. What could Paul and Silas do now? The wisest thing was to pray and trust in the leading of the Lord.

“Now may our God and Father Himself,
and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way to you.
And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love
to one another to all, just as we do to you.”

1 Thessalonians 3:11-12

1. The prayer is directed to God the Father

a) This is the correct way to pray.
b) Jesus Himself taught His disciples to pray to God the Father (Matthew 6:9).

2. The word “may”

a) This was added to make the text clearer.
b) This is correct and permissible for this reflects the true spirit of prayer.

3. The involvement of the Lord Jesus Christ

a) He is always deeply and personally involved when we pray.
b) He is our great High Priest Intercessor.

4. “Direct our way to you”

a) Paul was submitting this as a prayer request to God the Father.
b) He prays that the Lord Jesus would also approve of this prayer request.
c) Ultimately this prayer request must fit into God’s will.

5. In the meanwhile

a) Paul continues to pray for the Thessalonians.
b) He prays that the Lord may make them increase and abound in love
i) For each other in the Church community.
ii) To others.

6. Paul and Silas as examples

a) They had expressed deep affection for the Thessalonians.
b) May the Thessalonians learn how to have this deep sense of love too.