1) opening salutation containing writer's name, the recipient's name, and a greeting
2) a prayer, blessing, or thanksgiving
3) the body of the letter (what the sender wanted to say that occasioned the letter)
4) final greeting and farewell
Most of the New Testament letters follow this convention, for example, Philippians:
1) opening salutation
a) name of the writer
1:1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus,
b) the name of the recipient
To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:
c) the greeting
1:2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
2) a prayer, blessing, or thanksgiving
a) thanksgiving
1:3-11 I thank my God every time I remember you, 1:4 constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you. . .
b) report of circumstances
1:12-27 I want you to know, beloved that what has happened to me has actually helped to spread the gospel . . .
3) the body of the letter (what the sender wanted to say that occasioned the letter)
a) occasion of the letter
[the report of Paul’s circumstances serves as the occasion of the letter]
b) request
1:27-28 Only, live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ . . .
c) content
2:1-4:20 If then there is any encouragement in Christ . . .
4) final greeting and farewell
a) well wishes, greetings to others
4:21-22 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The