2 THESS 3 

1 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:

2 And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.

AND FINALLY 

There was a TV news programme in the UK, where the newsreader introduced the final item by saying, “and finally,” just like the Apostle Paul is saying here. In a nutshell, Paul is giving instructions on how to pray for himself and his team of workers.

First, it was a personal appeal. He wants his brethren to pray for him. It is one of our greatest privileges to pray for others, especially for those in Christian work. Let me ask you do you pray for those in Christian work? Do you pray for your pastor？

Second, it was a prayerful appeal. It was meant to urge the church to pray. Prayer is the engine room of the church. It has been said that it is prayer that drives the church and if the church has less prayer then it will lack power.

Third, it is an appeal that gives the church a priority. When you pray, you have to focus. It is no good praying like this… “Bless the church in China amen.” Get some mission prayer letters from missionaries; use Operation World, joshuaproject.net, and other resources to pray for specific people and things.

Fourth, there was a purpose in their prayer. This is how to pray for our brethren and especially those in full time service

That the word of God would have free course; that it would not be hindered. Paul said in his first letter that Satan hindered us. The devil tries everything to stop the flow of the gospel; it is our prayers on the mountain top like Moses that enables the Joshua’s fighting in the valley to succeed.

We are to pray that God’s word is to be glorified. That is the most important part of this prayer, not that we are glorified, but that his word is glorified. He gives an example of this church in his first letter Chapter 1. Look at what happened when the word of God arrived in this city; this is the word of God being glorified and having an unhindered passage.

5 For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.

6 And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost.

7 So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia.

8 For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing.

9 For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God

Finally, he prays for divine protection. All of us need this, but God’s full-time servants do most of all. There are people who will seek to destroy God’s work by destroying God’s servants.

Let’s pray like this for our fellow believers, our pastors and our church workers!

God bless

kk