What does 1 Thessalonians 1:2 mean?

In this verse Paul assures his readers that he, Silvanus, and Timothy were praying for them. They were praying for all the Thessalonian Christians with thanksgiving as they mentioned them constantly in their prayers. They were a source of joy to Paul and his team members. In 1 Thessalonians 2:19–20 he asks, "For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming?" He answers his question by citing the Thessalonian believers: "Is it not you? For you are our glory and joy." The apostle John, too, was filled with joy upon hearing that believers, whom he called "his children," were "walking in the truth" (3 John 1:4).

Paul's New Testament letters reveal that he prayed for believers consistently, with thanksgiving. He specifically asked God to empower them to know and do His will. Paul thanked God for the Corinthians because they had received the grace of God (1 Corinthians 1:4). He gave thanks constantly for the Ephesians because of their faith and love for all their fellow Christians (Ephesians 1:15–16) He gave thanks for the Philippians because of their ongoing partnership in the gospel (Philippians 1:3–5). And he gave thanks for the Colossians because of their faith and love for all their fellow believers (Colossians 1:3–4).