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October 29, 2019

Persistent Praise

Yolanda M. Norton   |   Read 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12

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Lectionary Week
October 28—November 3, 2019
Scripture Overview

This week includes All Saints Day, when we remember those who have come before and handed down the faith to us, especially through trials. Habakkuk reminds us that our predecessors sometimes suffered discouragement, but the righteous have always lived by faith. The psalmist also has experienced hard times, but he knows that God’s commandments are true and lead to life. The Thessalonians have experienced persecution as well; yet through their strength their faith and love continue to grow to the glory of Christ. May the same be said of us and our church communities! The famous story of Zacchaeus illustrates that the crowd of faithful witnesses that we celebrate on All Saints Day includes those who have been lost—outsiders—for Jesus comes to seek and save the lost.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

Read Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4. How can you wait actively for God’s response to your prayers and complaints? How will you enact God’s response when it comes?
Read Psalm 119:137-144. How do you persist in following God’s commandments in the face of injustice and corruption?
Read 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12. The work of the church has never been easy. How does your faith community work to exude God’s love in a time when many reject or feel rejected by church institutions?
Read Luke 19:1-10. When have you run to Jesus? How can you share your experience so others pursue Jesus as well?

Respond by posting a prayer .

2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12

1 From Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy: To the church of the Thessalonians, which is in God our Father, and in the Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Grace and peace to all of you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 Brothers and sisters, we must always thank God for you. This is only right because your faithfulness is growing by leaps and bounds, and the love that all of you have for each other is increasing. 4 That’s why we ourselves are bragging about you in God’s churches. We tell about your endurance and faithfulness in all the harassments and trouble that you have put up with. 11 We are constantly praying for you for this: that our God will make you worthy of his calling and accomplish every good desire and faithful work by his power. 12 Then the name of our Lord Jesus will be honored by you, and you will be honored by him, consistent with the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Unless otherwise indicated, scripture quotations are from the Common English Bible. Copyright © 2011 Common English Bible. Used by permission.

Second Thessalonians 1 is prayer. There are three parts to the prayer—an introduction (vv. 1-2), thanksgiving (vv. 3-10), and intercession (vv. 11-12). Verses three and four introduce thanksgiving for each person in the community and acknowledge God’s hand in increasing their love for one another. In other words, the author...

God, we give thanks that you have called us together in community. May we always acknowledge in our hearts that you are the center of our calling and our work. Remind us every day to see you in your people so that we may love them with our whole hearts. Amen.


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