We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you.. (Colossians 1:3 ESV)
Each Other
Clearly, Christians pray for each other. Many keep a list of prayer requests that regard friends, family, churchmates, and other folk. And this is a good thing.
I expect that our prayers for each other would be more informed if, as often as we pray for each other, we also give thanks for each other.
First, giving thanks for the blessings that God has given them. Sometimes the source of our knowledge is from their own requests. But even better, sometimes we can see for ourselves the showers of God’s love on their lives. Sometimes even better than they do themselves.
Second, giving thanks for the gift that God gives us through the other people. He blesses us through their gifts and abilities. He blesses us through their encouragement. He blesses us through their Spirit-brought challenges. He blesses us through their fellowship.
It is easy to find fault in others. It is common to be critical of others. It even is, unfortunately, fun to belittle others.
Let’s turn that practice upside down. Pray for each other.