Read 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2

2 Thessalonians 3:1-2

v1: "Ministers need, and... should seek, the prayers of their people."  Because ministers are most concerned for the advance of God's kingdom, but are also keenly aware that the enemies of God oppose the word of the Lord and want to prevent it from being declared and being effective in the life of people, "we should pray, therefore, that opposition may be taken away so that the Gospel may have free access to the ears, the hearts, and the consciences of people that it may be glorified in the conviction and conversion of sinners, the refutation of those who oppose religious faith, and the holy lives of saints."

v2: Godly and faithful pastors not only need help in preaching the gospel, they also need protection, for they are often those "who are most attacked" by those who oppose the gospel.