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1. In regard of the love, which is due from people to minister. People are bound to love their pastors. Now love seeks not her own things. He that prays not for his minister, loves him not.

2. In regard of their great charge wherewithal they are betrusted. A charge of greater worth than all the world — the soul of their people. The greater the charge the greater the gifts required to discharge it. The more graces they need the more earnest should our prayers be to procure the same.

3. In regard of their danger as in the former point. They are in danger of Satan's malice, he knows if he can but with his tail cause these stars to fall from heaven, that he shall cause the greater darkness and the greater scandal; their corruption in life or doctrine will be exemplary and infectious. They are also in danger of unreasonable men (2 Thessalonians 3:2). The greater reason that they should be holpen with our prayers.

4. Pray for your ministers, because in praying for them you pray for yourselves, and procuring their good you procure your own. The better ministers are, the better is it for people. Many people complain of the insufficiency of their teachers, and as many ministers may complain of the negligence of their people. For if they were more diligent in prayer their ministers would be more able to preach if they would pray more for them, then should they be able to preach better unto them. What be the things we should beg for them? Paul specifies some particulars, wherein he would be remembered. As —

(1)  Free and bold utterance of the gospel (Ephesians 6:19; Colossians 4:3, 4).

(2)  Free passage of his ministry (2 Thessalonians 3:1).

(3)  Deliverance from wicked men (Romans 15:30; 2 Thessalonians 2:3).

(4)  Other particulars are mentioned (Romans 15:31).

(D. Dyke, B. D.)

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KJV: But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you.

WEB: Also, prepare a guest room for me, for I hope that through your prayers I will be restored to you.