Message summary: The Biblical prayers include rich biblical teachings and truths.

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"To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of His calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by His power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ" (2 Thessalonians 1:11,12). "May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word"  (2 Thessalonians 2:16,17).

That's a lifelong goal we should all have, both learning and sharing. There's always a new detail or insight that can be a blessing to us and others as well. I just heard a detail about the Bible I don't recall ever considering.

The Bible Project has a series of short video summary teachings for each book of the Bible. On the video introducing 2 Thessalonians it points out that each of the three chapters ends with a prayer. In the final chapter it's a benediction, "Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all".

These Biblical prayers actually include rich biblical teachings or truths. There's a stark difference with them and many or most of the well-meaning prayers we offer (at least in the circle of Christians I have fellowshipped with over the years).

Now, to be clear, I am not dismissing any type of earnest petition to God on behalf of others. I have been blessed by them when undergoing a trial and/or illness, but our prayers are often to the effect, "Help Sally as she deals with the gallstones, help Ken get a job", etc, etc. Certainly that is the petition of our prayer, but let's also pray for their growth in Christ as we see demonstrated in these Scripture prayers.

Today's first prayer precedes the more difficult passage from 2 Thessalonians chapter 2. I taught from this portion yesterday in our ABF class where Paul gives corrective teaching on the Lord's return and events in the end times. These believers were in distress about this and that's the context of this prayer. We all face periods of distress in one way or another, some more serious than others.

Some of you reading this message today are in such a place right now. Let me offer today's prayer for you by adapting the daily Scriptures slightly.

Whatever you are going through:

"We pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of His calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by His power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word". Amen.

Be encouraged today! Hebrews 3:13