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Obseve here, how abounding St. Paul was in the duty of prayer for the Thessalonians; his prayer was assiduous and constant, night and day; it imports frequency and constancy in performance of the duty, 1Th_3:10. His prayer was also very fervent and affectionate, praying exceedingly, excessively, as the word will bear. Spiritual affections are strong and vehement.
Note here, the admirable pattern which St. Paul sets before all the bishops and pastors of the church to the end of the world, namely, to be much, very much in prayer, to abound in this duty.
Observe, farther, the subject matter of St. Paul's prayer, that he might see their face, and perfect what was yet lacking in their faith. Here note, that St. Paul's short stay among the Thessalonians when he first planted the gospel, did not permit so full and complete an explication of the matters and mysteries of Christianity, as the apostle did desire; he therefore prays that God would bring him again amongst them, that he might supply what was wanting in their faith, that he might increase their knowledge, confirm their faith, inflame their love, excite their desires, quicken their endeavours, and carry on that good work to perfection in them, of which God had laid the foundation by him.
Learn hence, 1. That even in the faith of the most renowned, as well as of the new converted Christians, there is some deficiency and defect.
2. That one great end of the ministry of the word is, to help faith forward towards perfection; that which was the instrument to beget faith, is also the mean of increasing and confirming it, namely, the ordinances of God in general, and the ministry of the word in particular. As faith cometh by hearing, so is it confirmed by hearing also; longing to see your face, that we might perfect what is lacking in your faith.