Paul begins with the subject Pray, “Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you, 2 and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for not all have faith. 3 But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one. 4 And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you, both that you do and will do the things we command you. 5 Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ” (2 Thess. 3:1-5).
Still, when you think of the power of a strong prayer life you must realize that it is our primary access for divine assistance, divine intervention. Remember how often and how much Jesus prayed—It must have been important to Him! Here Paul will ask for prayers in different categories. • First, Paul says “pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified” • “run swiftly” The same word is used in Hebrews 12:1 “let us run with endurance the race that is set before us” • Again, Paul used it in 1 Cor. 9:4, “Run in such a way that you may obtain it.” • The Greek word [τρέχω] actually, means, “to run” but here is used metaphorically: of doctrine rapidly spreading. • Conveys intense desire to get to the goal as quickly as possible—avoiding all obstacles. • There are so many things we all can pray for: • Pray for the message of Jesus to spread rapidly. • Pray to be delivered from wicked and evil men. • Pray for open doors or opportunities • Pray for God to send people through our doors, and your doors too, who are actively seeking His truth—people with open and honest hearts • Pray for opportunities to have Bible studies • Your neighbors, workplaces—pray you’ll have a reason to share the gospel with them. • Pray for one another, for the work here, for saints to remain steadfast and faithful. • Pray for our young children—that they will grow in their knowledge and faith • Pray for our physically sick • Do not neglect to pray for the spiritually sick! • Pray for the fallen brethren—the lost—for the spiritually weak. . .
Brethren—one thing that we must pray for is that we don’t forget our purpose as a church.