Why We Pray

"We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus many be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ." 2 Thessalonians 1:12

You may have heard many explanations as to why we should pray, how we should pray, when we should pray, to whom we should pray and all matters about prayer. I think we talk a lot more about prayer than we may actually spend time praying. I am a huge proponent of keeping that constant contact with God and an open channel going, but recognize the need also for focused and concerted prayer. We should both "pray constantly" and "go to Him in prayer". There is a difference and our spiritual lives will be richer when we begin to realize and experience more and more that prayer is not a formulated thing nor is it a presumed thing.

In this verse, I hear Paul encouraging the Thessalonians by telling them why He and others pray for them. The 'this' that he refers to is explained in the previous verse as being His power accomplishing His purposes through their lives. When we are empowered through faith and belief, God is then able to enact His purposes through us. Notice that the relationship with Christ is identified as both us in Him and Him in us. What is the difference? When He is in us it is the fulfillment of His promise to indwell us when we are saved. Us being in Him is our choice to dwell in Him because He indwells us. Hope that isn't too deep to grasp. Read it a couple of times, it sinks in.

You see, our relationship with Christ is a two-way street. Sure, He planned it, He built it, He paved it, but we must choose to travel on it. A street untraveled has no purpose. His part of that relationship saves and justifies us. Our part of that relationship is the life-long process of sanctification. All so that the Name of Jesus will be glorified in us and that through grace. Oh, thank Him for grace. By His grace I can work on my relationship with Him. He has done everything He can for me. I must respond. I am lacking nothing that I can't seek Him for, trust Him for or wait upon Him for.

Hope this little deeper application of His truth blesses you today as you live in Him, and He in you. With His grace,
Pastor Fred

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