Biblical Teaching on Prayer

2 Thessalonians 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. ~Apostle Paul

Pondering Point

The above passage is from the King James version. The NIV puts it this way: "As for other matters, brothers and sisters, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you."

This is a reminder to pray for freedom to express the Gospel and its reason for proclamation: Sin’s forgiveness and new life through Jesus. It is a reminder to pray for its rapid spread and acceptance.

Once a given in the USA, willingness to let the Gospel be heard has now changed, not to mention other parts of the world. Far from glorified, the Word of the Lord is often mocked and ridiculed. But as Psalm 2:1 iterates with a question: "Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain?" Those who oppose God take their stand against the Lord and His anointed (Jesus), but "The One who sits in the heavens laughs, the Lord scoffs at them" (Psalm 2:4).

A final thought before moving into prayer: In the verse above, Paul seeks prayer from others. Can you see yourself as one praying for others’ ministries? Can you see yourself as one seeking to be prayed for? Both options are below – which are fitting for you?

Prayer 1: Our Country and World

Father God, I pray that Your Word has free course in our country – and throughout the world, and that Your Gospel message is received and accepted by many to the glory of Your holy name. Bless especially… (people you know in ministry). In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Prayer 2: Our Ministry

Father God, I pray that Your Word finds free course to move through me and my ministry partners into our country and world, and I seek others to pray for us that the Gospel message we share in word and deed is received and accepted by many to the glory of Your holy name. Amen.

Journal Prompt:

Who are you helping to sharpen? Who sharpens You?
Answer:
Who do you now meet with regularly where God is welcomed?
Answer:
Who COULD you meet with regularly where God is welcomed?
Answer:

Prayer Thoughts
Chapter 34

To teach myself to pray in the morning, I put the prayer book on the one pair of shoes I consistently wore. The deal I made with myself was to pray before I put on my shoes. It worked!

[Got His book? Read pages 34-37]
~ Keep Me and Keep All, Smith