July 24 Pray for the ministry

July 24 2Thes3.1 Pray for us2 Thess 3:1 “Finally, pray~~  for us, brothers and sisters, that the Lord’s message may spread quickly and be honored as in fact it was among you,”

The challenge to make disciples comes back to prayer: “Pray for laborers for the harvest” (Matt 9:38), and then we must pray that their ministry will spread the understanding of the word of God. Prayer is the key.

If we believe that prayer effects change not only in us but also in others, then we can serve our Savior effectively by praying for His servants around the world.

The command in 2 Thessalonians 3:1 is in the present imperative, meaning to “be continually or habitually praying,” which means “to ask, make petition, or request.” The verb implies that you are requesting a specific outcome, not a vague “God bless so–and–so.” The verb is usually seen with a purpose clause: “pray in order that . . .” Specific results are expected.

Paul wrote, “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes” (Rom 1:16). The “power of God” is the illuminating, convicting, drawing, and regenerating work of the Spirit. Paul was dependent on the power of God: “I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me” (Col 1:29).

It enabled him to share the gospel in spite of opposition and risk. It was not Paul’s reputation as a loving servant that brought the power of God, but the persuasive teaching or preaching of the word unleashed the Spirit’s power to change lives.

The word for spread quickly means “to speed on or make progress,” as in Acts 19:20: “The word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed.” See also Ephesians 6:19: “Pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel.”

Paul’s concern was that the gospel be “honored as in fact it was among you.” Paul was there less than a month, but he left a functioning church Do you pray for others to testify to someone every day? To how many people have you told the gospel story?

The Savior “desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Tim 2:4). Is this your desire? Pray for it.

“Dear Father, I want to be faithful in praying for my brothers and sisters around the world who are taking Your good news to those who have never heard it. Help me have a definite plan to pray effectively.”

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