Love That Prays — 1 Thessalonians 3:10–13
Aug 15, 2026 142
What do you do when there’s nothing left to do but pray?
[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 3:10 ESV)
Paul couldn’t return to Thessalonica. He couldn’t fix what was lacking in their faith from a distance. So he prayed, night and day, most earnestly. And when he tells them what he’s actually praying, it’s specific.
[11] Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you, [12] and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, [13] so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints. (1 Thessalonians 3:11–13 ESV)
He prays for reunion.
He prays their love would overflow, not just to each other but to everyone.
And he prays God would establish their hearts blameless in holiness, ready for the coming of the Lord Jesus.
This is love that prays! When Paul had run out of ways to act, he hadn’t run out of ways to love.
The Good News Is…
Paul’s prayer for the church is only possible because someone prays for us still. After his wrath-bearing death in our place, Jesus rose from the dead. The believers in Thessalonica have shown their commitment to Jesus by waiting for Jesus from heaven (1 Thess 1:10). And this risen Jesus always lives to intercede for them and at the Father’s right hand (Hebrews 7:25). Our hearts being established blameless in holiness isn’t wishful thinking. It’s secured by Jesus, our risen, ruling, and returning King.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for Paul’s example of a love that prays. But thank you most of all that Jesus is praying for me right now. Thank you that he is alive, seated at your right hand, and he intercedes for all of your people while we wait for his return. Help me to pray for other Christians in my church and the church around the world that we would overflow with love for you and for one another. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Rev. Dave Miers
President, Good News Unlimited