2 Thessalonians 3:1-2, “Finally, brothers, pray for us that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you, and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men. For not all have faith.“
Who has asked you to pray for them? Have they asked more than once? Paul asked the Thessalonians to pray for him and those that were with him on eight different occurrences. He told them to pray for the success of the gospel in people accepting, without any hindrances, their need for Christ. Secondly, he asked for prayer to “be delivered from wicked and evil men.” “Acts 17:5 describes them as “lewd fellows of the baser sort” who tried to get Paul in political hot water by saying he advocated Caesar’s overthrow.” Jon Courson’s Application Commentary New Testament. What is significant is that Paul didn’t ask for success in debating the opposition. He only asks to be delivered from them.
Paul asked for prayer that the Word of the Lord may speed ahead, to run freely without any delays, difficulties, and deterrents. “Paul’s prayer request makes us wonder how often the work of God’s Word is hindered by our prayerlessness.” David Guzik, Blue Letter Bible Commentary.
Throughout last year it was impressed upon me the importance of prayer and praying the Scriptures for my family and friends. God has promised that His Word will not return to Him void, as it says in Isaiah 55:11, and “shall accomplish what He pleases and will prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” So, if I take this promise in faith, as I pray Scriptures for my children, spouse, loved ones, and co-workers, I am asking God to perform His promises and work his power, for His glory. Here are a few examples that I have prayed for myself and others:
Psalm 119:92, “If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction.” Teach me Your Word during this season of my life like I have never known it before, and make this verse my testimony when I emerge from this place.
Psalm 90:17, “Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands.” Establish my work. Establish _________ work.
Proverbs 19:21, “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand.” No matter what ____________ is planning, let your purpose win out.
Proverbs 23:4, “Do not toil to acquire wealth; be discerning enough to desist.” “Do not let __________ be worn out trying to get rich; keep ___________ from trusting their own cleverness.” Praying the Scriptures for Your Children, by Jodie Berndt, page 218.
Proverbs 25:11, “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” May my words in my response be just right and skillfully spoken, so You, God, will be pleased, so even those against me (my enemies, Prov.16:7) will be at peace with me.
Paul and his ministry team experienced fierce struggles, just as we have invisible powers against us daily as well. The primary defense is prayer which activates our spiritual armor (Ephesians 6:10-19). Praying the Scriptures helps overcome bitterness, fears, unforgiveness, anger, discouragement, and every stronghold that hinders our character and integrity and shapes our desires for obedience with strategy straight from God’s Word. That is how one finds their ultimate breakthrough plan of action to be put to use for your marriage, friendships, relationships, ministry, workplace role, and where your purpose in life is intended in glorifying God in praying the Scriptures. You are right where God intends you to be and to use you for His glory.
Listen to Second Opinions Lyric Video by Casting Crowns, January 13, 2022.