“Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you, and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men. For not all have faith.” 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2 ESV
Reflection: what do you do when someone is asking for very specific prayer topics?
Have you ever been asked by someone to pray for them? I’m sure you have. You have probably asked others for their prayers also, especially in difficult situations in life. It is actually a beautiful way that we can as God’s children connect with each other spiritually, a way that God has given us. You might even be able to sense when others are praying for you, and likewise be “reminded” by the Spirit that someone you are close to needs your prayers. We don’t understand how prayer works, clearly, but we know it does. Even scientifically, it has been proven. But, let’s say someone asks you to pray for them, and then proceed to give you some very specific topics to pray. Do you commit and pray for those topics as given, or do you make up your own list or general prayers based on what you think is best?
As Paul is wrapping up the second letter to the church in Thessaloniki, he starts with several specific topics for prayers for him and his missionary team in our focus verses. Let’s look at them. First is the “who”, as he says “Finally, brothers, pray for us”. The first is therefore to direct the prayer; here specifically for Paul and his team. The second is the “what”, as he mentions 3 topics.
- that the word of the Lord may speed ahead
- that the word of the Lord be honored
- to be delivered from wicked and evil men, as not all have faith
We see here a very practical, very specific set of topics, a set of needs that Paul and his team has. Now, if the church in Thessaloniki decided to ignore the specifics here, it is my belief that their prayers, and the spiritual help Paul was asking for, is not as effective. It would be almost like as if someone needed gas in their car, but instead you decided to give them a sandwich. A sandwich might be good, but it is not what they needed, nor what they asked for.
Jesus said the following familiar verse, “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”Matthew 18:20 ESV. Most of us know this verse by heart, and we often quote it when we sit together with other believers in prayer. But, do you know what verse comes right before this one? “Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.” Matthew 18:19 ESV. Now, that is perhaps even more relevant and powerful as we sit together to pray, right? Can you image if we first would agree what we should specifically pray about, an agreement among believers before asking our Father God? We have a very specific and strong promise of Jesus associated with it.
Ok, if a brother or sister is asking you to pray for a million dollars, perhaps you have a chat with them first to better understand their needs. But that really doesn’t happen; at least I have never run into that. However, if someone is asking for strength to do something, or healing of an injury, then they probably really need that. And so, as a brother or sister, we shouldn’t ignore, generalize or change that. If we feel led to praying for them, then we should commit to them (tell them verbally or in writing) that we will pray for that specific topic, for them. This will also help us be more honest, more specific with each other as brothers and sisters in Christ. And, prayer is also God mobilizing us to take action, to help someone in need. Perhaps even having to purchase gas for someone. However,
if they need gas, don’t give them a sandwich.
Let us also be the hands and feet of the Lord. “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-7 ESV
