1 Thessalonians 5

1 Thessalonians 1: ¹ This letter is from Paul, Silas, and Timothy.

   We are writing to the church in Thessalonica, to you who belong to God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

   May God give you grace and peace. 

 ² We always thank God for all of you and pray for you constantly. ³ As we pray to our God and Father about you, we think of your faithful work, your loving deeds, and the enduring hope you have because of our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁴ We know, dear brothers and sisters, that God loves you and has chosen you to be his own people.

1 Thessalonians 5: ²⁵ Dear brothers and sisters, pray for us.

 ²⁶ Greet all the brothers and sisters with Christian love.

 ²⁷ I command you in the name of the Lord to read this letter to all the brothers and sisters.

 ²⁸ May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

What struck me in this chapter was that it reminded me of the first chapter.  Paul ends as he began praying grace and peace on the dear brother and sisters.  What started with prayers breathed out for the church in Thessalonica, concludes by seeking their prayers breathed out for him (and his group).  Grace, peace and prayers. 
He does not wish them 'good luck' or 'have a nice day'; he speaks grace and peace to them. 
He does not ask for sponsorship, sailboats or extra-help.  He asks but prayer be offered for him (and his group).  This underscores the value of that Heavenward conversation to me in that he could have asked for anything or nothing at all...he asked for prayer.  And prayer was what he gave them...the folks he adored...he prayed for them...constantly.  When they were on his mind, they were in his prayers.

I am challenged to pursue relationships, to strike up conversations, to raise my family, to answer the phone with the same priorities...grace, peace and prayers.  Father God, help me to grace-peace-and-pray for those You bring my way...for my dear brothers and sisters, especially.