Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way to you;
direct our way to you: Paul could pray for the opportunity to return to Thessalonica (10). Satan could hinder his return (2:18), but only God could make the return possible. Lightfoot is probably right in saying that Paul is expressing the conviction "of the utter worthlessness of all human efforts without divine aid" (48). It is also worthy of note that Paul considers the matter of a safe and prosperous journey a fit subject for prayer. After noting several similar brief prayers in Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians, Fields says, "These written prayers show the character of Paul’s mind. He could break into prayer in speaking or writing at any time. He prayed without ceasing. We should develop a similar habit of praying to God at every moment of joy or need" (91).