“In the apostle Paul’s second letter to the church in Thessalonica,” Stan began, “he asked the church to pray for some specific things that still need prayer today.”
“What things?” I asked.
“First,” Stan replied, “Paul asked that the church pray for him and those with him. Second, that the word of the Lord would spread rapidly. Third, that the word of the Lord would be glorified.”
“And you think we still need to pray for those things?” I said.
“Well,” Stan replied, “Paul and his companions are no longer here so they don’t need the prayer. But there are plenty of ‘Pauls’ out there who do need our prayer.”
“And,” he continued, “the part about the word ‘spreading rapidly’ is certainly a whole lot easier today with the technology we have. The word can spread around the world almost instantly, but it doesn’t happen on its own. Someone has to do it and prayer is needed.”
“But,” he added, “I think the part about glorifying the word is most needed in prayer.”
Continuing, he said, “It is my prayer each day that the word of the Lord would truly be glorified by each person who hears and accepts it. And the first person I pray for in this regard is me.”
“You?” I asked.
“Yes, me,” Stan responded. “I pray each day that in every aspect of my being I will truly glorify the word of the Lord so that others may believe and, in turn, glorify the Lord and His word.”
Concluding, he added, “And for me to glorify the word of the Lord requires the same things as for me to be a disciple. Deny self, take up my cross, and follow Jesus wherever He wants to lead, whatever the cost. I am to give my all to the Holy Spirit to lead me in glorifying exactly as God intends.”
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Finally, brethren, pray for us that the word of the Lord may spread rapidly and be glorified, just as it did also with you. 2 Thessalonians 3:1.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for your life-giving word. Thank you that you want your word to be spread all over the world and that you want it to make a difference in eternal destinations and in lives on this side of eternity. I confess that too often I do not glorify your word in the ways you intend. Please forgive me. And please lead me, and help me to follow, in getting myself out of your way, in taking up what you have for me to do, and in following you wherever you lead so that I will truly glorify you and your word exactly as you intend. Thank you I can and do bring these prayers before you in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Waiting for the Train 