With these words Paul begins a fresh section, and records a specific prayer. The fact that God and Christ are mentioned together emphasizes the unity of these two members of the Godhead. For comment on Paul’s titles for the Father and the Son see on Rom. 1:7; Gal. 1:4; Phil. 2:5.
Direct.
Literally, “make straight” (cf. Luke 1:79; 2 Thess. 3:5). Paul’s path had been blocked by Satan (1 Thess. 2:18), so the apostle turned to the Father and Christ, asking them to clear away all obstacles and to make it possible for him and his companions to visit the Thessalonians again.