October 03 2026

October 03 Saturday

2 Thessalonians 3:1-2

“Pray for the Word to Run”

“Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you, and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for not all have faith.”

Welcome to Pastor’s Chat. Today we begin the final chapter of 2 Thessalonians. And after all the tremendous truths Paul has shared about the return of Christ, he begins chapter 3 with a very personal request: “Finally, brethren, pray for us.” I find that interesting. This is the Apostle Paul. One of the greatest missionaries who ever lived. God used him to take the Gospel across much of the Roman world. He planted churches. He wrote letters that became part of our New Testament. And yet Paul says: “Pray for us.”

Paul knew something we sometimes forget: No one ever becomes so spiritually mature that he doesn't need prayer. Pastors need prayer. Missionaries need prayer. Sunday school teachers need prayer. Parents need prayer. Grandparents need prayer. Your Christian friends need prayer. And I need prayer. Paul then tells them specifically what to pray. He asks them to pray: “that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified.” What a wonderful expression!

Paul pictures the Word of God as a runner moving rapidly toward its destination. He wants the Gospel to have a clear path. He wants it to spread. He wants people to hear it. He wants people to believe it. And he wants God to be glorified through it. That's still something worth praying about today. “Lord, let Your Word run.” Let it run into our homes. Let it run into our communities. Let it run into our schools. Let it run into our churches. Let it run across our nation. Let it run around the world. And wherever it goes, may Jesus Christ be glorified.

I've had the privilege over the years of traveling to different places and seeing firsthand that the Gospel works everywhere. Cultures may be different. Languages may be different. People may dress differently. Church buildings may look different. But human hearts have the same basic need. People need Jesus. And the Gospel is still: “the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes.”

Paul also asks for prayer that he and his companions would be delivered from “unreasonable and wicked men.” Why? Because: “not all have faith.” Paul was realistic. He knew that whenever the Gospel advances, opposition often follows. We shouldn't be surprised by that. Satan doesn't want the Word of God to run freely. He doesn't want people to hear about Jesus. He doesn't want marriages strengthened. He doesn't want families transformed. He doesn't want lost people saved. So Paul says: Pray.

And perhaps that is one of the greatest ministries available to every Christian. There may come a time when we can't do some of the things we once did. Our health may change. Our mobility may become limited. We may not be able to travel. We may not be able to serve in the same positions we once held. But as long as God gives us a sound mind, we can pray. And prayer isn't a lesser ministry. Prayer is one of the greatest ministries God has given us. You can pray for your pastor. Pray for missionaries. Pray for your children and grandchildren. Pray for lost friends. Pray for your church. Pray for those sharing the Gospel around the world.

And especially pray what Paul asked these Thessalonians to pray: “that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified.” Every morning when I share these Pastor's Chats, that's my prayer. I don't know everyone who will watch or listen. I don't know where these words may eventually go. But I pray that somehow God's Word will touch someone's heart and point that person to Jesus. Because ultimately, it isn't our words that change lives. It's His Word.

So today, let's pray for the Word to run. Let's pray that doors will open. Let's pray that hearts will open. And let's pray that wherever the Gospel goes, Jesus will be glorified.

Let's pray. Father, thank You for the power of Your Word and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Today we pray as Paul asked the Thessalonians to pray: let Your Word run swiftly and be glorified. Open doors for pastors, missionaries, churches, and individual believers to share Jesus. Protect those who are faithfully proclaiming the Gospel. And help each of us to be faithful in the wonderful ministry of prayer. In Jesus' name, Amen.

God bless, and may you have a wonderful, wonderful day!