(Our Reforming Group Guides are designed to be inductive, using the COMA form of study: Context, Observation, Meaning, Application). For more on this method, check out this article.)

By way of introduction: Why do we sometimes (all the time, maybe?) struggle to pray?

Read 1 Thessalonians 3:11-13

1. Could you outline the context of this letter so far?

2. How does the structure of the three prayers at the start, middle and end shape this letter?

3. In verse 12 we see that Paul prays for something he has been thankful in prayer for the Thessalonians, what is it? How was his prayer answered (see 2 Thessalonians 1:3)?

4. What does Paul pray for the church here in verse 13?

5. Have a look at John 17:13-19, what is Jesus so passionate to pray about for you, for us?

6. When we are struggling to pray, how does the Bible help us with such passages as this in 1 Thessalonians 3:11-13?

Pray for one another of Reforming, and for friends of Reforming who need to meet Jesus in the Bible.