2 Thessalonians: A 5-Day Reading PlanEsimerkki

Dear God, Help!

The news and social media bombard us with the pain and destruction happening in the world — suicide bombers, children being sold into sex trafficking, sexual misconduct scandals, and mass shootings are all too familiar. When our own lives also seem completely turned upside down it’s easy to feel like there is no hope. We don’t know what to do or even what to pray.

God is fully aware of what is going on around you. He knows what you are going through and dealing with each moment of every day. God is still in control now just as much as He was before and during Jesus' time on earth. We can trust Him and have faith He can overcome any problems in the world or anything we may face. He wants us to turn to Him, but how do we pray when we don’t know what to pray?

Paul tells us three things to pray when life feels chaotic and we don't know what to pray:

Pray for the Word of God to spread (2 Thessalonians 3:1). The Gospel is powerful and surely has not reached its final destination. The more the message of the Lord is spread, the more hearts will be changed, ultimately changing the world.

Pray for the rescue of God's people (2 Thessalonians 3:2). May the people of the Lord seek His will and be delivered from the wickedness of the world.

Pray for protection for those who are in danger (2 Thessalonians 3:3). Christians are being persecuted all over the world, so pray for God to protect them and strengthen them.

Jesus is our protector, our provider, our shield. No matter how bad the world may get or our messes in life become, with Jesus we will always persevere.

Reflect:

• Who is one person in your family, school, workplace, or community that has not heard the Gospel of Jesus? What is one way you can share the Gospel with that person today?
• What is one thing in your life or our world that you struggle with how to pray about? Take time right now to pray the prayers above about that situation.