1 FURTHERMORE, BRETHREN, do pray for us, that the Word of the Lord may speed on (spread rapidly and run its course) and be glorified (extolled) and triumph, even as [it has done] with you, 2 And that we may be delivered from perverse (improper, unrighteous) and wicked (actively malicious) men, for not everybody has faith and is held by it. 3 Yet the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen [you] and set you on a firm foundation and guard you from the evil [one]. 4 And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you, that you are doing and will continue to do the things which we suggest and with which we charge you. 5 May the Lord direct your hearts into [realizing and showing] the love of God and into the steadfastness and patience of Christ and 1 in waiting for His return.