Praying Through God's Word: 1 Thessalonians

1 Thessalonians 1:1-2:20

When we gather together to hear the preaching of Your Word, show us, Lord, that we need more than the "words" of the preacher. Show us that we need "the power of the Holy Spirit" (1 Thessalonians 1:5). Help us, when we Your Word, to know that it is more than "the word of men" - it is "the Word of God, which is at work in us believers" (1 Thessalonians 2:13).

1 Thessalonians 3:1-4:12

Lord, we need both "love" and "holiness" (1 Thessalonians 3:12-13). Our love is to be holy. Our holiness is to be loving. Where do we learn to be loving? Where do we learn to be holy? We learn from Jesus, our Saviour - Jesus, Your Son. Jesus says, "I don't condemn you" - This is love. He also says, "Go and sin no more" - This is holiness (John 8:3-11). Help us to be more like Jesus - in love and in holiness.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:28

Lord, there are times when we feel like giving up. You never give up on us: "He who calls you is utterly faithful and He will finish what He set out to do" (1 Thessalonians 5:23). You don't lead us on a wild goose chase - a long and winding road that takes us nowhere. You're leading us on to a great future - Your glorious future: "The Lord Himself will descend from heaven ... We shall always be with the Lord" (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). Help us to "encourage one another" - to "comfort one another with these words" (1 Thessalonians 5:11 & 4:18).