Prayer brings gratitude
1 Thessalonians 1:3 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers,
Paul & company were thanking God for what was taking place in this young churches life. This gentile church was walking after what God called them in. Many christians are not thankful or experience the joys of being thankful to God for others because they have not done the second half of this verse, enter that special communion of prayer unto God. Prayer is not getting our wishes from Him but allowing God to show us His will and plans. Paul and company was praying Gods will for them, seen Gods will taking place, and the only response, gratitude.