Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: And that we maybe delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith” (2 Thessalonians 3:1,2).
TEXT — 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5
Message
Prayer plays a crucial role in the Christian life, and the Bible is filled with examples of powerful praying. In this passage, Apostle Paul introduces a fascinating idea we can call the “dual-carriage-way” of prayer. This concept isn’t just about asking others to pray for you; it’s also about returning the favour and praying for those who are praying for you.
Paul begins by asking the Thessalonians to pray for him and his team, specifically that the Lord’s message would spread quickly, without obstacles, and be honoured. This request highlights how essential prayer is for spreading the gospel and shows how much he values the support of fellow believers. By reaching out for prayer, Paul shows his humility and acknowledges his reliance on God and the prayers of others. But Paul doesn’t stop there; he also prays for the Thessalonians, asking that the Lord guides their hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance. This back-and-forth commitment to prayer, where both sides lift each other up, is vital for a fruitful and enduring ministry.
When church members pray for their leaders and vice versa, countless benefits flow into the body of Christ. For starters, it fosters a sense of unity and togetherness among believers. When we pray for one another, we show that we genuinely care. Additionally, this mutual prayer encourages accountability and support. Knowing that others are praying for us can motivate us to stay faithful and committed to our spiritual journey.
Furthermore, the dual-carriage-way of prayer reminds us of our interdependence as believers. We realise we are not alone in our spiritual walk and that we need the encouragement and prayers of others to navigate life’s challenges. So, let’s keep praying for our Pastors, Evangelists, and Missionaries on the front lines of spreading the Gospel. Let’s focus our prayers on spiritual essentials rather than just physical needs. As we pray, the Lord will bless the message, protect His messengers, and ensure their success.
Thought for the day
No Christian is beyond the need of others’ prayer or below the need of praying for others.
Listed among “500 most powerful people on the planet” by the Foreign Policy magazine in 2013, Pastor (Dr.) William F. Kumuyi is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. DCLM started in 1973 as a 15-member Bible study group right in Kumuyi’s apartment at University of Lagos where he was a lecturer. His revolutionary Bible teaching on personal holiness and commitment to evangelism soon gained so much traction and resulted in a widespread revival.
