What does Hebrews 13:18 mean?

Prior verses contained instructions for Christian living. They included references to obedience and submission under spiritual leaders. The reason for this, as provided in this letter, is to avoid putting undue stress on those leaders (Hebrews 13:17). God holds those who claim to teach His Word to a higher standard (James 3:1), and makes them accountable for how they lead the people (Mark 9:42; Titus 2:1). When the people of a church frustrate their leadership, it causes those pastors, elders, or teachers to "groan." This was described using the same Greek root words as used in Romans 8:23 and 2 Corinthians 5:2–4. Rather than obstructing those who make a godly, sincere attempt to lead, believers ought to cooperate in a spirit of love and submission.

This verse presents a request for prayer which matches very well with the call for believers to submit to their spiritual leaders. A person truly following God, as a teacher, is not arrogant or proud (Ephesians 4:1–2). Instead, he should be humble and have the attitude of a servant (John 13:14–15). Here, the writer of Hebrews demonstrates that exact approach. After a long letter, filled with brilliant exposition of Scripture, he asks for prayer, specifically to ensure that his conduct is honorable and his conscience is clear.

The next verse specifies another facet of this prayer request: that he would be quickly able to see his readers again.