Paul continues in 2 Thessalonians 3:16b, "The Lord be with you all." Not only does Paul want God to bless you with His peace, but with His strength as well. Here Paul simply requests that God fulfill in us what was previously guaranteed for us as believers—the assurance that God will never leave us nor forsake us.
In Hebrews 13:5-6, when listing the ways in which we should conduct ourselves, we have this promise: "For He Himself has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.' So we may boldly say: 'The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?'" Here Paul is reminding us that there is more to God's presence within us than meets the eye. Not only does He reside in us, but He gives us His strength. It is that empowering strength of God within us that Paul here prays for.
It is that strengthening presence of God in us that the Psalmist rejoiced over when he said, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble" (Psalm 46:1, NASB). This is the essence of Paul's prayer. He prayed that God would not only give you peace in all circumstances of life, but that He would grant you His strength in all circumstances, so that you might stand firm in Him at all times.
So Paul prays that when Satan attacks, you will have God's strength to fight. When temptation comes, you will have God's strength to resist. In the face of trials, you will have God's strength to persevere. When called upon to serve Him and evangelize for Him, you will have God's strength to do so effectively. In short, as Paul said in Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." That is his prayer for you. Amen.
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