Ancient letters often ended with a wish for the health or happiness of the recipient. Paul ends his letters in a different way, by praying for [t]he grace of the Lord Jesus
to be with his readers. That this greeting should be understood as a prayer can clearly be seen in Peter’s and Jude’s letters (see 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Peter 1:2; Jude 1:2).
The grace
of the Lord Jesus is his unmerited love and favour toward his people. The presence of his grace is essential for the Christian life and the life of the church. Therefore it is not surprising that a prayer for grace is found in all of Paul’s letters.
23 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.