1 Thessalonians 5:12-22
“We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.”
Paul’s Benediction to a Growing Church
In one of Paul’s most iconic benedictions, in the closing to his first letter to the church in Thessaloniaca, the apostle encourages the beleivers to rejoice always, and pray without ceasing. This is despite the fact that this church was growing strong and prospering. Paul’s instruction wasn’t a correction as much as it was a loving reminder. Prayer isn’t just good for those we pray for, it’s good for us, and it’s good for the Lord. We’re told in the book of Revelation that our prayers are a pleasing incense to the Lord. Why hold back? Pray right now, pray later, pray always. An use this shirt as a reminder of how important prayer is.
