Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 1 Thessalonians 3:10

"night and day praying exceedingly that we may see your face, and may perfect that which is lacking in your faith?" — 1 Thessalonians 3:10 (ASV)

Along with his rejoicing, Paul prayed continually for the Thessalonians. “Night and day” does not mean once in the evening and once in the morning, nor that he did nothing else but pray. It rather points to the extreme frequency of his prayers, while “most earnestly” refers to the intensity of his prayers.

The thrust of Paul’s petitions for the Thessalonians is twofold: that “we may see you” (cf. 2:18; 3:6) and “[may] supply what is lacking in your faith” (i.e., to correct, restore, and equip them in their faith). They had already been commended for “their work produced by faith” (1:3). Yet they had room for additional growth, and Paul felt his presence could foster it.