Pray for us
Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you, and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for not all have faith. 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2
I love these verses because it makes me realize that the apostle Paul, who was one of the all time great ministers, depended on the prayers of God’s people. He was not only successful because of God’s help, it was also because of the church faithfully praying for him and his team. It makes sense because this is how God planned for it to work. All things/people working together for good and for God’s purpose. Just as the apostle Paul talked to the people in Corinth (see 1 Corinthians 12) about the church being one body, his ministry depended on that “body” to sustain them through prayer. Even though he wasn’t with them physically all the time, he remained as part of the body so that his team would receive life and empowerment through the body (of believers) praying.
I am also inspired by the words that he asked them to be praying. He said “Pray that the word of the LORD runs quickly and is glorified. That they would be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men.” He said the word of God spread quickly in Thessalonica and he wants them to pray that it will move the same way where ever his team goes. Then, of course we all know the persecution that Paul’s team faced on a daily basis, so he asked them to pray that they would not come up against so much opposition and that the message would have a clear path to get through. Obviously, their prayers were answered. Paul’s success in reaching the known world of his time is evidence of that.
How does this apply to us today? We can pray too. Pray for ministries around the world and for ministries in your local area. What is really great is that we don’t have to wonder or make up what we think we should pray. We can pray the same thing that Paul asked the Thessalonians to pray. We can pray that the word of the Lord spreads quickly in our area and around the world. We can see this is happening more and more as modern ways of communication are expanding. We can also pray all barriers or obstructions out of the way for the message to get through.
Today I want to encourage you to pray. Pray for your ministry, pray for local ministries and pray for ministries around the world. Pray for internet ministries and pray for all media ministries that the word would spread even quicker than it already does. Also pray all roadblocks out of the way. We all have this part in the body. No matter what ministry you are a part of, your number one ministry is to pray!
Today’s scripture reading: 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5
The Daily Dose 