A Life of Prayer

At the beginning of Second Thessalonians chapter three, Paul prayed that you would be completely focused on Christ. He prayed that how you think and what you do would always be centered in Jesus. So, when speaking of things evident in the lives of those whose focus is on the Lord, Paul immediately turned to prayer. "Finally, brethren, pray for us" (2 Thess. 3:1a), he begins. Matters of the end times was his main concern in writing Second Thessalonians, however, as is his habit, he could not end the letter without adding some thoughts on personal application. "Finally" (v. 1a) indicates that he has completed the doctrinal teachings that were needed and now he is turning to those points of application.

As he begins this section, he requests prayer on the part of the young believers in Thessalonica. "Pray" (v. 1a) is in the present tense, meaning that he asked the Thessalonians to "continually pray," or "make prayer a constant pattern" in their lives. Specifically, Paul asked them to pray for his needs, a reminder that even the newest believers, through prayer, can have a part in releasing the power of God on behalf of the strongest and most experienced of God's servants (MacArthur's N.T. Commentary: 1 & 2 Thessalonians, [Moody Publishers: Chicago, 2001], 293).

First, Paul asked that they pray for success of the gospel. Going on in verse 1, he says, "pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you." The words "run swiftly" (v. 1b) are translated "spread rapidly" in the NIV and NASB. The ESV says, "speed ahead," while the KJV says, "have free course." All are excellent translations as the word literally means "to have free course" or "to spread rapidly," and it refers specifically to the idea of running. It is a metaphor from the Greek games for running a race.

Along side of this, Paul spoke of "the word of the Lord" (v. 1b), the gospel, being "glorified" (v. 1b) or "honored" (NIV), depending on your translation. This is the idea of triumph. As more people hear and receive the gospel, God is honored or glorified.

We are to pray that the gospel will "keep on running and keep on being honored." That is the thrust of this verse. All who are focused on Christ will pray in just that way. Paul's request is that you pray continually that Christ might win His race through your church leaders—your pastor and deacons, and all who lead your church. In fact, if you are focused in Christ you will pray continually that Christ will win His race through each of your brothers and sisters in Christ.

The concern is not just for freedom to run the race of discipleship for the Lord, but to allow the Lord to run in and through you without reservations or obstructions. In verse 1, Paul spoke of the Lord as running the race through us. The presence of the Lord in our lives frees us so we can give Him freedom to use us in the rapid spread of the gospel. Authentic freedom is clearing the track, opening the way, removing the impediments, and letting go with joyous abandonment. Give Him all areas of your life. Hold nothing back. Remove all obstacles and He will use you.

Paul mentions the areas where he needed prayer for Christ to work through him: "And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for not all have faith" (v. 2). Where do you need prayer so Christ can work through you? Let each other know on a regular basis and pray accordingly for one another, and watch the Lord work through you in amazing ways. Amen.