Paul expresses love for the Thessalonian church and prayer was as much an expression of that than anything else.

Day and night we ask him with all our heart to let us see you personally and supply what is needed in your faith. May our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus prepare the way for us to come to you! May the Lord make your love for one another and for all people grow more and more and become as great as our love for you. In this way he will strengthen you, and you will be perfect and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all who belong to him. – 1 Thessalonians 3:10-13 GNT

The Father and Jesus are recognised as active participants in our lives. And we engage them in prayer so that we can also be counted as active participants too.

“Prayer is the open admission that without Christ we can do nothing. And prayer is the turning away from ourselves to God in the confidence that he will provide the help we need.⁠” – John Piper

The passion expressed in the words, “with all our heart” goes along with the expression of praying regularly. It is not about being casual, but rather intentional and genuine.

I think that Paul has already been practicing praying all the time and he has not lost his passion for communion with the Father and Jesus. I know I have had moments of passion and of fizzle too. I pray that I may pray consistently and fervently for those I love.

Interesting to note that he prays that he may be able to supply what is needed in their faith. What a disciple-making heart.

I am really challenged when he prays that they may increase and be fully engaged in loving each other as followers of Jesus. In fact, he wants them to be overflowing in love – not just for family and friends – even for those who are hard to love.

Something tells me that when I am praying for others I am beginning to love them more and more.

This process of praying and love makes me perfect and holy in God’s presence. I love that this is the priority of his prayer. It is not about affliction and suffering to go away, rather about actions and the motives, desires and thoughts of their hearts.

I pray that my love may grow and be available for all.

When Daniel prayed, it was not for love, what he needed was wisdom.

He told them to pray to the God of heaven for mercy and to ask him to explain the mystery to them so that they would not be killed along with the other advisers in Babylon. – Daniel 2:18 GNT

When God answered his prayer I love his thanksgiving prayer.

“God is wise and powerful!
    Praise him forever and ever.
He controls the times and the seasons;
    he makes and unmakes kings;
    it is he who gives wisdom and understanding.
He reveals things that are deep and secret;
    he knows what is hidden in darkness,
    and he himself is surrounded by light.
I praise you and honor you, God of my ancestors.
You have given me wisdom and strength;
    you have answered my prayer
    and shown us what to tell the king.” – Daniel 2:20-23 GNT

The answer came when they prayed for God’s mercy.

“The battle was won when Daniel prayed with his friends. Praying friends are a blessing, and “In prayer meetings such as this history has been made.” – Strauss

Considering what was at stake, both Paul and Daniel had their prayer life in a place where they prayed with all their heart.

“In the great majority of books written, and in the sermons preached upon prayer, the human element fills the scene almost entirely. It is the conditions which we must meet, the promises we must claim, the things we must do, in order to get our requests granted; and God’s claim . . . rights . . . [of] glory are often disregarded.” – Arthur W. Pink