Priorities from Paul and His Prayers - Part 3

Consider today the priorities from Paul's prayer in this passage. 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 reads as follows:

9How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you? 10Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith.

11Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you. 12May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. 13May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones. (NIV)

Paul’s Prayer: A Product of Passion for People (2:17-3:8)
1.) Paul’s prayer arises out of his intense longing to be with the Thessalonians (2:17)
2.) Paul’s prayer arises out of passionate affection that seeks the good of others—not their praise, gratitude, acceptance, and still less some sense of professional self-fulfillment (3:1-5)
3.) Paul’s prayer springs from unaffected delight at reports of the Thessalonians’ faith, love, perseverance, and strength (1:2-3; 3:6-8)

Paul’s Prayer: A Continuing Passion for People (3:9-13)
1.) Paul prays with rich thankfulness for the people of God (3:9)
Although the thanksgiving is not addressed to the Thessalonians, but rather to God for the Thessalonians, nevertheless it is cast in such a way as to encourage them.
2.) Paul prays that he might be able to strengthen these believers (3:10-11)
3.) Paul prays that there might be an overflow of love among these believers (3:12)
4.) Paul prays that these believers will be so strengthened in heart that they will be blameless and holy when the end comes (3:13)