April 22, 2023: May The Word Run Swiftly

"Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you" (2 Thessalonians 3:1, ESV)

In church history, there are times when the Word of God seems to really advance quickly. People have the favor to share the Gospel with other vital people who happen to be in the right place at the right time. These 'open doors' allow the Gospel to move swiftly in multiple directions and with great results.  

As Paul is preparing to conclude his second letter to the Thessalonians, he asks them to pray for several things. He asks them to pray for him and his team. He asks that the Word of God would speed quickly ahead. May it be received promptly. He asks that the Word be honored and esteemed highly by those who receive it. He reminds the Thessalonians how they received the Word.  Meaning, pray that how you received the word is how everyone gets it where we go.

Paul's request to them should be a part of our daily prayer lives. Every day we should be praying, "Lord, let your Word run swiftly through my city." If you are praying for missionaries, ministries, or churches, pray: "God, let your Word move swiftly through them! We also pray that your Word would be honored by all who hear it, and may they respond with hungry hearts in search of truth." Prayer is vital to advancing the Kingdom. And so is 'heart' preparation of those who will hear it. "Lord prepare their hearts for the entrance of your Word!"