Read: 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5 NLT – Paul’s Request for Prayer – Finally, – Bible Gateway
“Finally, dear brothers and sisters, we ask you to pray for us. Pray that the Lord’s message will spread rapidly and be honored wherever it goes, just as when it came to you. Pray, too, that we will be rescued from wicked and evil people, for not everyone is a believer.” 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2 NLT
God’s Word, the Bible, is often referred to as a living book. It is alive today speaking truth and instructing us how to live. Words that were written throughout the centuries can be applied today for they are relevant and they come from almighty God. God did not leave us in this world to work out it for ourselves but gave us His timeless instruction book to follow.
The church at Thessalonica was one of the apostle Paul’s dearest churches. He gave thanks to God for their readiness in accepting the gospel and being such a good example to other churches in spreading the Word while enduring under persecution. Paul prayed for them and asked them to pray for him. Specificaly, in his second letter to the church, Paul asks them to pray for him and his ministry team. What was Paul’s primary concern, “Pray that the Lord’s message will spread rapidly and be honored wherever it goes.” (2Thess.3:1 nlt) Paul prayed that the gospel message he was preaching would be effective, would spread, and would not slow down. He also prayed for protection that would hinder the Word from being preached.
Many Christian churches today have missionaries they either send out or support the work of mission agencies that are reaching others for Christ. A major part of that support is prayer. I do not believe there has been one missionary I heard in my lifetime when asked what their biggest need is did not say prayer. It is vital. They know it. We should know also as churches and individual Christians how important prayer is for those who present the gospel, especially those in hostile environments. Paul asked for prayer for himself and his mission team. God’s Word gives us an example of praying for those who present the gospel. May we be praying for missionaries around the world. They are asking us to pray for them.
