Pray for Us

GETTING STARTED

Do you pray with an urgency for those who don’t know the Lord? In today’s passage, Paul begins to conclude his letter to the Thessalonians. He starts with a request for prayer; he also seeks to encourage and exhort this church that is so dear to him. These verses again reveal Paul’s main concern: that the word of the Lord would move swiftly and not be restrained or hindered by those who oppose the gospel.   

  • When was the last time you prayed for the spread of the gospel?

READ THE WORD: 2 Thessalonians 3:1-3 (ESV)

3:1 Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you, 2 and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men. For not all have faith. 3 But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.

DIGGING DEEPER

  1. In verse 1, whom was Paul addressing as “brothers,” and what was he asking prayer for?
  2. At what pace did Paul desire the word to move? When reading verses 1-2, do you perceive a sense of urgency or complacency?
  3. In verse 2, from whom did Paul ask to be “delivered”? Why is this protection important?
  4. What would it look like today for the word to speed ahead and be honored?
  5. Ultimately, who is in control of the fruitfulness of the word and your protection? In what way does knowing this help you to have the assured faith in God that Paul had?

RESPOND TO GOD

These verses are so characteristic of Paul’s heart for God’s word, the gospel, to go out to all the nations in urgency, his reliance on prayer, and his assurance in the faithfulness of God’s protection. The word of God, the gospel, is still alive and active in the world and in our lives. We must pray that it is impactful on and protected from the evil schemes of people whose hearts have not responded to the gospel in affection or love. 

  • Pray that when the word of the Lord is spoken it would not be an ineffective, fruitless word, but mighty through God.