11 Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you, 12 and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, 13 so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints. (I Thessalonians 3)
The words written here may strike us as a concluding prayer at then end of a letter, but we are only halfway through. Paul had a habit of doing so - getting part way through writing, then pausing to pray for the recipients of the letter. Often, like here, it includes a word of blessing. In chapter 1 he had already given thanks for the love evidenced in their congregation; now he prays for more of it. But he sees even beyond that to th purpose of such poured out love: it is evidence that God is transforming them from within, giving them confident hearts and holy lives that are ready for Christ to come. Endurance is Evidence. He wants to see them now because he wants to see them when Christ comes. When our focus is on where we want to be, we know better how to pray today. Talk with God about what is really important. Ask Him where He wants you to be. Then ask Him what acts of faith, hope and love will take you that way.
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