“Finally, dear brothers and sisters, we ask you to pray for us. Pray that the Lord’s message will spread rapidly and be honored wherever it goes, just as when it came to you. Pray, too, that we will be rescued from wicked and evil people, for not everyone is a believer. But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one. And we are confident in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we commanded you. May the Lord lead your hearts into a full understanding and expression of the love of God and the patient endurance that comes from Christ.”
2 Thessalonians 3:1-5 NLT
Prayer matters. Paul asked for prayers of protection. Before that, he asked the Thessalonians to pray that the Word of God would spread and be honored. There is a joy in being part of something bigger than yourself. Too often, our prayer lives (and actions) are overly focused on ourselves. Of course, the Father cares about every little detail of your life and wants you to pray for your concerns. But He is also inviting you into something bigger – your life is meant for more. God made you to make a difference. Pray for God’s Kingdom to come and for your daily bread.
Be bold enough to ask for prayer. Paul was bold enough to ask the Thessalonians to pray for him. He knew that he would face suffering, and he wisely and humbly sought out prayer. Paul asked for prayers for the gospel to spread. He had confidence in the power of God, and he was willing to boldly ask others to pray for him.
Who can you boldly ask to pray for you? What difference do you think it would make to pray every day for God’s Kingdom to come?
