August 10 2026

Monday August 10

A Thankful Heart That Prays

1 Thessalonians 1:2

Welcome to Pastor’s Chat. Today we continue our journey through the book of 1 Thessalonians. Yesterday we looked at Paul’s opening greeting in verse 1, where he reminded these young believers that they were “in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ.” Now in verse 2, Paul writes: “We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers.” What a beautiful verse! In just a few words, Paul teaches us something about thankfulness, people, and prayer.

First, notice that Paul says, “We give thanks to God.” Paul had many reasons to be concerned about the believers in Thessalonica. Remember, this was a very young church. Paul had only been with them for a short time before persecution forced him to leave the city. You can read about this in Acts 17. Paul had preached in the synagogue, people had believed, and almost immediately opposition arose. A mob was formed, Jason’s house was attacked, and Paul and Silas had to leave Thessalonica by night. Paul must have wondered, “How are these new believers doing? Are they standing firm? Has the persecution discouraged them? Are they remaining faithful to Christ?” Then Timothy returned with the wonderful news that they were continuing in the faith.

So Paul says, “We give thanks to God.” Notice that Paul didn't simply say, “We are proud of you.” He thanked God for them. Paul understood that whatever spiritual growth he saw in their lives was ultimately the work of God. That is a good reminder for us. When we see God working in our children, grandchildren, friends, church family, or someone we have influenced for Christ, we should encourage them—but we should also remember to thank God for what He is doing in their lives.

Then Paul says: “We give thanks to God always for you all.” I love those two words: “you all.” (Especially since I’m from the south.) Paul wasn't simply thankful for the prominent members of the church. He wasn't thankful only for the people who were easy to get along with. He thanked God for all of them. Every person mattered.

Sometimes we become so accustomed to the people God has placed around us that we forget what a gift they are. Maybe today we should stop and think about some of the people God has placed in our lives. Your husband or wife. Your children and grandchildren. A faithful friend. Someone who prayed for you. Someone who encouraged you when you were discouraged. Someone who helped you along your spiritual journey.

Have you thanked God for them lately?

But Paul doesn't stop with thanksgiving. He continues: “Making mention of you in our prayers.” Paul's gratitude became prayer. He didn't merely think about these people. He prayed for them. And notice the expression, “making mention of you.” I believe there is something important about mentioning people before God by name.

Throughout Paul's letters, we discover that he had a remarkable prayer life. He traveled constantly. He preached. He planted churches. He suffered persecution. Yet somehow Paul continued carrying people in his heart before God. That challenges me. It is easy to tell someone, “I'll be praying for you.” But the real question is: Do we actually pray for them?

When someone comes to your mind today, perhaps instead of simply thinking about them, turn that thought into a prayer. “Lord, bless them.” “Lord, encourage them.” “Lord, give them wisdom.” “Lord, meet their need.” “Lord, draw them closer to You.” It doesn't have to be a long prayer. Sometimes simply mentioning their name before the throne of grace may be one of the greatest gifts we can give them.

And there is one more thought here. Paul says, “We give thanks to God always.” Prayer and thanksgiving were not occasional activities for Paul. They were a way of life. That reminds us of something Paul will tell these same believers later in this letter: “Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17–18). Interestingly, Paul practiced in chapter 1 what he preached in chapter 5. He was continually praying. He was continually giving thanks. Maybe that is our challenge for today. Think of someone. Thank God for them. Then mention their name in prayer. And perhaps even take another step. Send them a message, make a phone call, or tell them: “I thanked God for you today.”

You never know how much that simple word might encourage someone who desperately needs it.

Let’s pray. Father, thank You for the people You have placed in our lives. Forgive us for the times we take them for granted. Help us to develop a thankful heart and a faithful prayer life. Bring someone to our mind today who needs our prayers and help us not merely to think about them but to mention them before Your throne of grace. Thank You most of all for Jesus Christ and for the wonderful privilege we have of coming to You in His name. May our lives be characterized by thanksgiving and prayer. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

God bless, and you have a wonderful, wonderful day.