¹¹ With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith.

이러므로 우리도 항상 너희를 위하여 기도함은 우리 하나님이 너희를 그 부르심에 합당한 자로 여기시고 모든 선을 기뻐함과 믿음의 역사를 능력으로 이루게 하시고

With the full-scale of righteous judgement in mind, to that end (NASB, ESV), Paul and the companion constantly pray (NB. 1 Thes. 5.16-18). They pray not as an activity but to exhibit and demonstrate the state of being filled with the Spirit. In other words, Paul is praying not because his prayer will move God into sanctifying the Thessalonians. Rather, knowing the promised full scale judgement to come in which God will announce his people are worthy of his kingdom, Paul too stays in God’s will, stays filled with the Holy Spirit, that is, in a shorthand, rejoices always, prays continually, and gives thanks in all circumstances, in this case, concerning the Thessalonians.        

¹² We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

우리 하나님과 주 예수 그리스도의 은혜대로 우리 주 예수의 이름이 너희 가운데서 영광을 얻으시고 너희도 그 안에서 영광을 얻게 하려 함이니라

Another hint is found in this verse about the character of Paul’s prayer. He prays for that things be done according to Christ’s grace,[1] that is, schemed, endowed, influenced, devolved by Christ. Therefore, in accordance with that grace, in the end Christ’s purpose of sanctifying people with God’s Spirit is perfectly fulfilled in the believers, and visa versa, man’s purpose of becoming sanctified with the Spirit[2] is achieved in Christ – mutually ‘glorified’ in the other! People often ask, ‘Then what is my role in this? Why pray?’ Knowing all this, our role as a believer is to remain in the Spirit Jesus gives, to stay vigilant about the word’s guidance – this is often called sanctification and it is the most adequate and high-quality prayer we can offer.   

Lord thank you for your work in us. We laugh and cry with things that happen right before our eyes, but in the end you and you alone achieve all things to the end of fulfilling God’s will in us, what is best for us. This fact does not make us idle or unable, but rather equips us with the confidence in you and with the courage to stay in you in whatever situations. Lord you guide us even through our weaknesses. The weakness of greed and jealousy be driven out of us through your persistent and constant working. May we be filled with your love and hope. May we look forward to the real, true things with the eyes you give. Let us be made worthy of your kingdom, just as you have already announced and will confirm again in the end. Let us bless people around us with your mind. Let us be the means through which you bless people. Be with us today and forever my Lord. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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[1] χάρις (charis) ‘grace’ (G5485) grace, the state of kindness and favor toward someone, often with a focus on a benefit given to the object; by extension: gift, benefit; credit; words of kindness and benefit: thanks, blessing

[2] Q. 1. What is the chief and highest end of man? A. Man’s chief and highest end is to glorify God, and fully to enjoy him forever. Westminster Larger & Shorter Catechisms.

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Image: Here I Am, Lord by Saltiness https://www.saltiness.co.uk/