Pray for Us

“As for other matters, brothers and sisters, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil people, for not everyone has faith. But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.” (2 Thessalonians 3:1-3)

There was once an elderly grandmother who felt like she couldn’t do anything anymore. Do you know what she did all day? She sat in her rocking chair and prayed. She prayed for her children. Then she prayed for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Then she prayed for her pastors and friends from her church. And when she finished, she started over again: Children, grandchildren, pastors, friends…

It’s ironic that she felt like she wasn’t doing anything. Was she? Yes! In fact, she was spending all her time doing one of the most productive things any Christian can do: Praying to Jesus.

Do you pray? Often? It’s harder than it sounds, isn’t it? There’s probably a little voice in your head that says, “What good will praying do? Nobody’s listening anyway. Just thinking a few thoughts in my head won’t help me or anybody else!” Isn’t the devil an expert at keeping us from praying to God our Father?

So Paul encouraged Christians long ago, “Pray for us”! That encouragement is just as vital today. “Pray for us”! There is nothing more productive a Christian can do than to pray for other Christians.

For what? “That the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored.” Pray that more and more people would believe in Jesus. That God’s Word would be spread. That those who hear the message of Jesus would honor it. “Pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil people.” Pray that Christians who are suffering persecution or opposition may be strengthened and delivered. Don’t ever think that there’s nothing you can do. Pray. For your families. For your children. For your friends. For your pastors.

As you pray, trust this: “The Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.” Isn’t that a beautiful invitation to pray? The Lord is faithful. He hears you. Every time! He loves you. No matter what! He will strengthen and protect you. There’s always something you can do: Pray.

Thank you for praying for us!

Dear Lord, may the good news of Jesus spread rapidly here and around the world. May Christians who face persecution and opposition be delivered. May you strengthen and protect me from all evil. Amen.