⏱ 4 min read

Paul wrote this letter to the church in Thessalonica to correct misunderstandings about the return of Jesus Christ and to strengthen the believers in their faith. Yet, in the final chapter, he surprises us with a simple yet profound request: “Pray for us.” (2 Thess. 3:1)

• Many Christians tend to view pastors and leaders (servants of God) as superheroes, always strong, deeply spiritual, and never in need of help.
• While it’s true that they are called and anointed, they are still human, facing battles, burdens, and temptations just like anyone else.
• The truth is that, as much as we need our pastors to pray for us, they also need us to stand with them in prayer.

Paul’s Prayer Request

From our theme scripture, Apostle Paul (together with all servants of God) makes two key prayer requests, that remain as relevant today as they were in the early church:

A. For the Advancement of the Gospel

“Pray that the Lord’s message will spread rapidly and be honored wherever it goes, just as when it came to you” ~ 2 Thess 3:1

The spread of the gospel depends greatly on the prayers of God’s people. The preaching of the gospel moves on the wheels of prayer.

• We must stand with our pastors, missionaries, and ministers as they proclaim God’s Word and carry out the work of the ministry.
• It is a deeply spiritual work, constantly opposed by the devil.
• Paul himself said in 1 Corinthians 16:9, “For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.”

In 2 Corinthians 4:3-4, Apostle Paul explains that Satan blinds the eyes (hardened heart) of those who are perishing (unbelievers), so they can’t see (understand) the glorious light of the gospel and believe to be saved.

• The solution to this problem is labouring in the place of prayer (warfare), breaking spiritual barriers, and preparing hearts to receive the gospel (Gal 4:19, Col 4:12).

My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you ~ Gal 4:19

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Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured. ~ Col 4:12

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• In Acts 4:29-31, when the apostles faced persecution, the believers prayed for boldness, and the Holy Spirit empowered them to speak the Word with greater courage.
• The result? The gospel spread rapidly, and lives were transformed.

“And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, by stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. 
And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.” ~ Acts 4:29-31

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The gospel must spread rapidly, producing fruit everywhere by changing lives, and this is achieved through prayers and intercession for the servants of God.

• Don’t complain that people are not changing in the church. Don’t criticize!
• Rather, stand in the place of prayer with the servants of God, and see the power of God transform lives (Col 1:6, 1 Cor 2:4, Mark 16:20, Heb 2:4).

We will continue with the second prayer request tomorrow. But today, let us respond to this request with prayer that the Gospel will spread rapidly throughout the world and be honored. If God lays any individuals on your heart, pray that Christ will be formed in them.

~ Minister James Deke

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