2 Timothy 1:3 Constantly Remembering

2 Timothy 1:3 I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers.

Early in this second letter to Timothy, as in other letters, Paul gives thanks to God, although with a different word to the usual one. "I have gratitude" he says. He refers to God as the God he serves, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience. This backward glance is probably in preparation for his reference to the sincere faith in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice. Indeed, it is the reminder of this that prompts his thankfulness. We do not know how far Paul had to go back to find godly ancestors but he was descended from Abraham and Jacob and Benjamin. How far back his clear conscience goes is debatable too. Paul is conscious, however, of God's grace down the ages to him, as well as to Timothy. He is thankful to God for this as night and day he constantly remembers Timothy in his prayers. The prayer life of the apostle must have been something to behold. It included not only whole churches but many individuals too. He always remembered those he wanted to pray for. What an example he is to busy pastors to find time to pray and not to forget others.