What do we do now? Work and pray. In St. Benedict’s rule, the monks were called to do these two things: work and pray. These two words give us a rule for our lives.
At the end of Paul’s second letter, he reverses the order: pray and work. Brothers and sisters pray for each other. For what shall we pray? Pray that the message of the Lord will spread rapidly. This is God’s work in the world: to spread the good news of his Son’s death and resurrection. We get to be a part of spreading that message by praying and working.
Second, we should pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil people. In the Lord’s prayer, Jesus taught us to pray, “Deliver us from the evil One.” Evil seeks to devour us as God’s people. Our enemy trembles to see God’s people on our knees. We battle evil by talking to the Father who is greater than the forces of darkness. Our confidence in prayer rests in our Father’s faithfulness. He strengthens and protects his people.
Prayer is the greater work that prepares us to work for the Lord. In Thessalonica, some refused to join in the work. Paul reminds them he was not idle when he was planting the church there. We work so that we will not be a burden to others and to offer an example to others. Growing disciples work hard for the Lord. The lazy forfeit the right to eat.
What do we do now? Pray and work.
