The Plea To Pray

INTRODUCTION

As we come to the final time together in the book of 1 Thessalonians, we encounter a final plea from the Apostle Paul.

Read 1 Thessalonians 5:25-28

There really are three points given to us in these verses:

Pray for us

Greet all the brothers for us

Have the letter read to all believers

The primary focus in this last time in the text will be on Paul’s command to pray for us.

As their spiritual leader, and planter of churches, it was only necessary for him to make this request.

Read 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13, 17

Respecting and loving church leaders should naturally lead to praying for them. 

pray without ceasing connects the church's continual prayer to praying for its leaders as well.

In The Plea To Pray, we see a leader’s need for support from his people.

Pray For The Pastor's Protection 

You might want to bookmark Romans 15:30-32, as we will be returning there a few times this morning.

Romans 15:30–32 ESV

I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf, that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, so that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company.

Paul asks believers to pray that he would be "delivered" from unbelieving opponents in Judea.

As a minister of the gospel, and the proclaimer of hope and peace in the name of Jesus, Paul was constantly in danger of being in the line of fire NOTE: this is after Paul was already arrested for preaching the gospel, and was awaiting a trial…

Acts 23:12 ESV

When it was day, the Jews made a plot and bound themselves by an oath neither to eat nor drink till they had killed Paul.

That was while he was already in prison! It shows the vile hatred that the people had for the truth of the gospel. Consider what Paul endured over the course of his ministry:

2 Corinthians 11:23–27 ESV

Are they servants of Christ? I am a better one—I am talking like a madman—with far greater labors, far more imprisonments, with countless beatings, and often near death. Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure.

2 Corinthians 11:32–33 ESV

At Damascus, the governor under King Aretas was guarding the city of Damascus in order to seize me, but I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall and escaped his hands.

When a minister of the gospel is faithful to their ministry ministry, it often provokes resistance.

Many pastors will not face physical persecution like Paul, but they still encounter criticism, discouragement, and spiritual attacks.

They stand on the front lines of spiritual warfare, because they proclaim God's truth and confront sin. They become special targets of opposition from the world, the flesh, and Satan.

Therefore, believers should pray for their protection and endurance. 

They should pray that God would preserve them (and their families!) and enable them to continue serving faithfully.

Pray For The Pastor’s Wisdom

The role of the Pastor can be complex at times, and is sometimes misunderstood. 

The pressure can be overwhelming, as he and his family remain under the scrutinizing eye of the world, and more specifically the congregation he has been called to serve.

He is not as free as he might want to be when discussing particular political matters, though the moral nature of these matters cannot be dismissed or overlooked

He is an agent of truth, while also seeking to maintain a good working relationship with those who hate truth

His every word and action are under the judgmental eye of man, who often do not consider their own shortcomings when making their assessments

He is all too happy to help people through their personal trials and struggles, knowing that he must remain guarded in letting his own be known

He is particularly burdened with knowing that he and his family are to be an example of the gospel lived out in the home, which itself is misunderstood by those who observe their lives. That is to say, the gospel ≠ perfection

These are merely a few of the many complexities that accompany pastoral ministry.

Other difficulties arise in the carrying out of ministry itself. Pastors are to devote themselves to prayer and the ministry of the Word, as shown through the example of the Apostles:

Acts 6:4 ESV

But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.

Pastors are constantly make decisions that affect the church. Notice again Paul's request to the believers in Rome:

Romans 15:30–32 ESV

I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf, that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, so that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company.

Paul desired that his ministry plans would succeed and be received well, showing the need for wisdom in leadership, relationships, and ministry opportunities.

Simply doing the work of ministry is never enough

The question becomes, “how is this work being received by others?”

Simply preaching the unsearchable riches of the Word of God is not enough

The question becomes, “how is this being perceived by those who hear it?”

Thus, it should go without saying: Pray For The Pastor’s Wisdom

James 1:5 LSB

But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

Pray For The Pastor’s Direction

The plans of man don’t always align with each other because we all have our own individual personality and desires.

It can be even harder to know with certainty how any one decision will glorify God, which is our existential purpose.

1 Corinthians 10:31 ESV

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

For a pastor, the boiled down truth is easier to take than the complex reality.

Truth: glorify God in all things

Complexity: remember that you are being scrutinized in every decision and action, and there are going to be things that you do to “glorify God” that is going to upset others

Proverbs 16:9 NASB95

The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.

Proverbs 19:21 ESV

Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.

The many decisions and duties carried out in the course of pastoral ministry will always end up at one certain end: the purpose of the Lord will stand.

One of the greatest comforts for a believer, and one of the most complex truths to come to grips with, is the sovereignty of God.

This means that nothing exists or occurs outside His purpose or permission, and His ultimate plans can never be thwarted.

This does not mean that our plans and actions don’t matter in the grand scheme, but that our plans and actions will always lead to the purpose of the Lord.

And it is in this vein that Paul instructed the believers in Rome

Romans 15:30–32 ESV

I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf, that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, so that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company.

Paul asks for prayer that his plans would align with God's will, and that he might come to them in joy.

Eli Stanley Jones, Methodist missionary If I throw out a boathook from the boat and catch hold of the shore and pull, do I pull the shore to me, or do I pull myself to the shore? Prayer is not pulling God to my will, but the aligning of my will to the will of God.

Pray For The Pastor’s Preaching and Evangelism 

Arguably the most important ministry of the Pastor is the preaching of the Word, and more particularly the preaching of the gospel.

Powerful preaching is not merely the result of study and preparation, but also of God's empowering work through the prayers of His people. 

Consider Paul’s specific requests:

Paul asks for prayer that he would speak boldly.

Ephesians 6:19–20 ESV

and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

Pray for open doors and clarity in proclaiming the gospel.

Colossians 4:3–4 ESV

At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.

Pray that the Word of the Lord would spread rapidly and be honored. 

2 Thessalonians 3:1 LSB

Finally, brothers, pray for us that the word of the Lord will spread rapidly and be glorified, just as it did also with you;

Pastors need prayer so that there will be opportunity for God's Word to be preached clearly, spread rapidly, and transform lives.

Pray for his spiritual strength and holiness 

Pastors need prayer not only for ministry effectiveness but also for their own spiritual lives.

In Ephesians 6, Paul asks for prayer in the context of spiritual warfare.

Ephesians 6:12 ESV

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

Ephesians 6:18–20 ESV

praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

Spiritual warfare requires continual prayer for perseverance and victory. 

Believers should pray that their pastors would remain faithful, avoid sin, walk wisely, and maintain godly character.

Pray For The Pastor Because Scripture Commands It

Faithful leaders ask for prayer because they seek to maintain a good conscience and honorable conduct.

1 Timothy 2:1–2 ESV

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.

1 Thessalonians 5:25 ESV

Brothers, pray for us.

Hebrews 13:18 ESV

Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a clear conscience, desiring to act honorably in all things.

Prayer strengthens both the pastor and the congregation's affection for him and his ministry.

CLOSING PRAYER

Heavenly Father, We thank You for Your Word and for the instruction we have received today. We are reminded that those who lead Your people need the prayers and support of Your people. Lord, we lift up our pastors and church leaders before You. Protect them from spiritual attack, discouragement, and temptation. Grant them wisdom as they shepherd Your church, discernment as they make decisions, and courage as they faithfully proclaim Your truth. Give them boldness in preaching the gospel and clarity in teaching Your Word. Keep them holy, humble, and faithful to the calling You have placed upon their lives. Father, we also pray for the leaders of our homes. Strengthen the fathers among us to embrace the responsibility You have entrusted to them. Help them to lead with love, humility, and conviction. May they be men of prayer, men of Your Word, and examples of Christ to their wives and children. Give them wisdom to guide their families, courage to stand for truth, and grace to lead with both firmness and compassion. May our homes become places where Christ is honored, Your Word is treasured, and prayer is practiced. As fathers faithfully shepherd their families and pastors faithfully shepherd the church, may both home and church be strengthened for Your glory. Help us all to support these leaders through faithful prayer, knowing that apart from You we can do nothing. We ask these things in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and King. Amen.