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What the Fathers say
Eastern Fathers
John Chrysostom
As the word of God has power to do all things, so also has he who has the spiritual gift. "For the word of God," saith he, "is living, and active and sharper than any two-edged sword." (Heb. iv. 12.) Now mark the wisdom of this blessed Apostle. He hath armed them with all security. What then is necessary after that? To call upon the King, that He may stretch forth His hand. …
Theophylact of Ohrid
So, one must pray not only for oneself. But notice the humility: for he places himself last, and asks the disciples to pray, and this is the one who was in chains for Christ. And Peter too was in chains, and earnest prayer was offered for him by the Church. So then, he does not worry about what to say, but as Christ said: "do not worry about how or what to say, for in that hour it will be given to you what to say" (Matt. …
Western Saints
Jerome
This is to be understood as if he said, "Let the treasuries be opened. Let the promises hidden from ages be revealed. Let the Spirit enter to bring forth those things that have been concealed." That this is indeed the meaning of this passage … is clarified by what follows: "in confidence," he says, "to make known the mystery of the gospel."
Thomas Aquinas
Lastly, he asks prayers for himself: and for me. He asks three things for himself which are necessary for any preacher: that his mouth would be opened, that he might prepare himself as much as he can for preaching, and that grace be given him. In order for these to be granted to him he begs them to pray for him, saying that speech may be given me that I may open my mouth. "I cannot speak anything else but what the Lord gives me," as Balaam expressed it (Num. 22:38). …
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