Note 1 at 2 Th. 3:1: Notice that Paul wasn't requesting prayer for his personal success, he was desiring God's Word to prevail. Paul didn't promote himself, so he wasn't dismayed when things became difficult for him personally. Many times people who are focused upon themselves get depressed and discouraged when personal trials come. Those who are dead to self have a definite edge on others.

Note 2 at 2 Th. 3:1: Paul, Silas, and Timothy are requesting prayer that their mission to spread the gospel may have free course. The English word "course" is from Greek verb TRECHO and means "to run in haste, to rapidly propagate" (Thayer). In the Greek this is in the present tense and means a continuous, uninterrupted, and habitual action.

Paul's prayer is that the gospel would go forth unhindered so that others may believe and Jesus Christ would be glorified as He was among the Thessalonian believers. Even though Paul prayed this, he realized that there would be unreasonable and wicked men who would refuse to believe.