So, what do we have so far? In 2:1-3;10 we have Paul talking about putting the message of the gospel into the way we live our lives, and in this passage, we have Paul placing spiritual truth above physical distress in an act of love. Then he offers a prayer both for himself and for his readers:

Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you. May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.

1Thessalonians 3:11-13

He prays that he will be able to return to Thessalonica in v. 11. He prays that their love would increase and overflow in v. 12. He prays that God will strengthen them so they will be “blameless” when Jesus returns in v. 13.

Is there anything missing in this prayer, something we would pray for that Paul didn’t?

Hint: Did Paul mention anything about their persecution or personal safety?