A PRAYER. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17. “Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts, and establish you in every good word and work.” From the heart of someone who has invested himself in the lives of those he preached to, come words of intercession that can reach the highest throne in heaven, where the One who came to save the lost and was willing to die for them sits in holy splendor, inviting the intercessor to draw near. At that throne of grace, the Father and the Son wait to hear from those of us who are weak and unable to approach earnestly without the Spirit’s intercession. Seeking mercy and grace when uncertainty spreads its gloom, we find the answer for which we came at that place of acceptance.
The assurance of His love and everlasting comfort isn’t something that comes and goes. The hope in His grace is enough for our weakness because He knows exactly what we need. From His abundant supply of grace and comfort, He freely gives what we do not deserve. In the work we are involved in, the glory for any success belongs to Him. Our hearts often find comfort when we pray for those in distant places and express concern for them, even though we rarely see their faces because our God knows their needs. He dwells in them and makes our concerns His own, covering and helping them until their work is finished.
The power of prayer is strengthened when both the hearts of the person praying and the one being prayed for are at peace. The intercessor may not understand many of the daily struggles the other person faces. However, with trust in those at the throne of grace, asking the One who knows everything, they seek answers to their requests. The person being prayed for can relax when they listen to God’s Word. Every word is good for us when it comes from the highest possible Source. Every action is good when it follows the course God has set. The hearts of all involved find comfort when they come from the throne of grace. Consolation and hope are what we need and can claim when we live by faith.
Paul’s prayer was for the entire assembly of believers at Thessalonica. His request for their inner strength was that it would lead to both good actions and words. The Lord Jesus Christ and God our Father are equally able to answer the prayers of God’s people. The encouragement from the Gospel is unlimited. The “good hope” is the positive certainty of salvation in full. To comfort and establish us means to strengthen and support God’s people. Everything we do or say should glorify God; then, it will bring lasting benefits and peace to us.