Praying for Others: Begin with the Good Stuff

2 We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, 3 remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. (I Thessalonians 1)
Many of us have been taught some sort of acrostic like A.C.T.S. or P.R.A.Y., which are to remind us to begin our prayers by adoration or praise for the person and character of God.  Why should our praying for others be any different? In the opening paragraphs of most of his letters, Paul begins with mention of his praying for his recipients, and the fond memories he has of them.  Such is the case here, where he remembers their faith, love and hope - these great quality characteristics. Later he tells them what they can do better at, but he begins with the positive.  What if we did the same? What if we thanked God for the positive abilities, characteristics and memories of the ones we are praying for, instead of diving right into either their sins or sicknesses? Would it not turn our hearts toward a greater love and respect for them? Think about the difference it might make in how we pray for politicians doing things we are opposed to, co-workers who drive us nuts, and family members who make us cry.  A challenge to me and to you: may we begin our prayer for each person of something good about them, and pray for them in love.