Paul believed that intercessory prayer would move God to do things that He would not do otherwise (cf. James 4:2). [source][source][source]
"The ministry of prayer is the most important service that the Church of Christ can engage in." [1][source]
Context Summary
1 Thessalonians 5:12-28 - "without Blame" At His Coming
The remainder of the chapter is filled with brief sentences of exhortation, like cablegrams from our Heavenly Captain to his soldiers, who, in the previous section, are described as wearing the breastplate of faith and love. As we endeavor to put them into practice, we become conscious of a new and divine energy entering and quickening our nature. It is the God of peace who is at work, co-operating with our poor endeavors and sanctifying us wholly.
Each soul has a ministry to others, 1 Thessalonians 5:14. A sketch is here given of the ideal believer, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22; full of joy, constant in prayer, giving thanks in everything, loving with the unquenched fire of the Holy Spirit, willing to listen to any voice that may bear a divine message, testing all events and utterances with a celestial solvent, steadfast in good, and persistent against evil. This is a high standard, and impossible of realization apart from the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. But when the inner shrine is truly surrendered to Him, He will possess the whole temple, even to our physical well-being. God is faithful and will never fail the soul that dares to be all that He wills [source]
Chapter Summary: 1 Thessalonians 5
1He proceeds in the description of Christ's coming to judgment; 16and gives various instructions; 23and so concludes the epistle
Greek Commentary for 1 Thessalonians 5:25
Pray for us [προσευχεστε και περι ημων] He has made his prayer for them. He adds this “human touch” (Frame) and pleads for the prayers of his converts (2 Thessalonians 3:1; Colossians 4:2.). Probably και kai also is genuine (B D). [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for 1 Thessalonians 5:25
2 Thessalonians 3:1Pray [προσευχεστε] Present middle, keep on praying. Note περι peri as in 1 Thessalonians 5:25. That the word of the Lord may run and be glorified (ινα ο λογος του κυριου τρεχηι και δοχαζηται hina ho logos tou kuriou trechēi kai doxazētai). Usual construction of ινα hina after προσευχομαι proseuchomai sub-final use, content and purpose combined. Note present subjunctive with both verbs rather than aorist, may keep on running and being glorified, two verbs joined together nowhere else in the N.T. Paul probably derived this metaphor from the stadium as in 1 Corinthians 9:24.; Galatians 2:2; Romans 9:16; Philemon 2:16; 2 Timothy 4:7. Lightfoot translates “may have a triumphant career.” On the word of the Lord see note on 1 Thessalonians 1:8. Paul recognizes the close relation between himself and the readers. He needs their prayers and sympathy and he rejoices in their reception of the word of the Lord already, even as also it is with you (κατως και προς υμας kathōs kai pros humas). “As it does in your case” (Frame). [source]
What do the individual words in 1 Thessalonians 5:25 mean?
Greek Commentary for 1 Thessalonians 5:25
He has made his prayer for them. He adds this “human touch” (Frame) and pleads for the prayers of his converts (2 Thessalonians 3:1; Colossians 4:2.). Probably και kai also is genuine (B D). [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for 1 Thessalonians 5:25
Present middle, keep on praying. Note περι peri as in 1 Thessalonians 5:25. That the word of the Lord may run and be glorified (ινα ο λογος του κυριου τρεχηι και δοχαζηται hina ho logos tou kuriou trechēi kai doxazētai). Usual construction of ινα hina after προσευχομαι proseuchomai sub-final use, content and purpose combined. Note present subjunctive with both verbs rather than aorist, may keep on running and being glorified, two verbs joined together nowhere else in the N.T. Paul probably derived this metaphor from the stadium as in 1 Corinthians 9:24.; Galatians 2:2; Romans 9:16; Philemon 2:16; 2 Timothy 4:7. Lightfoot translates “may have a triumphant career.” On the word of the Lord see note on 1 Thessalonians 1:8. Paul recognizes the close relation between himself and the readers. He needs their prayers and sympathy and he rejoices in their reception of the word of the Lord already, even as also it is with you (κατως και προς υμας kathōs kai pros humas). “As it does in your case” (Frame). [source]