Powerful and Essential Urgent Prayer

As we examine the content of the apostle Paul’s prayer for the Thessalonian church, we see three powerful and essential urgent prayers that we can and should pray for those we love.

1. Paul prays for the Thessalonians spiritual deficiencies (3:10). We ought to pray for the spiritual deficiencies in those we love.
2. Paul prays that the Thessalonians might be strengthened through loving service to others (3:12–13a). We ought to pray that those we love might be strengthened through loving service to others.
3. Paul prays for the Thessalonians in light of the future (3:13c). We ought to pray for those we love in light of the future.

In order that we may be "blameless and holy" then, Paul prays that we may be inwardly strengthened now. For sanctification is a present, continuing process; perfection awaits the Parousia (the Second Coming). - John Stott