The apostle Paul broke out of a time of discouragement described in 1st Thessalonians 2:17-3:13. He was helped by his close friends, Silas and Timothy, and by some good news from the church in Thessalonica.
In fact he was so blessed he returned the favor by writing out a blessing he prayed over them: “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.”
Notice the progress in this prayer. He begins by asking God to clear the way for a return visit by him to materialize. God can use others, but Paul asked for God’s personal “hands on” involvement. Paul tried to make this happen in the past. He could try again and he might succeed. But he wanted a reunion to be the result of God’s personal involvement. He wanted God to keep Satan from meddling and hindering.
He prayed, because he wanted everyone to know when his desire to visit them was realized it was because God the Father and the Lord Jesus made it happen. That would be like a benediction that would truly bless everyone and bring glory to the one who alone deserves it.
