2 Thessalonians 1:5-12

Think before you pray. Prayer is powerful; it is a way for Christians to release God’s power into an evil world. God will not answer prayers that are completely contrary to his will, however, he does give us a great deal of freedom in how, and for what, we pray. Since prayer is so powerful, and is a way for us to take part in the creative process, it only makes sense that we would think before we pray.

Paul is writing to a church that is suffering. They are enduring their suffering with perseverance and faith. However, they they must make the choice that all Christians must make in the midst of suffering; they must choose how to pray and act. Paul knows that they are tempted to pray for the destruction of their enemies. They are human and they want the suffering to stop. They believe justice should be done and the wicked should be punished. With this in mind, Paul assures them that God is in control. There will be a day of punishment, and the wicked will receive an everlasting destruction. On that day God will glorify his people and that will include people in the church at Thessalonica.

Paul did not directly address the issue of what they should pray for. Having assured them that justice will be done, he reminds them that God has called them to a life of goodness and holiness. Holiness means they they should pray differently than the world would pray. The world would pray for their enemies destruction and for personal gain. In the midst of suffering it takes true love to pray for your enemies salvation.

It is important for Christians not only to pray, but also act. Paul says our prayers and actions should be prompted by faith. Our prayers and actions should be in alignment. When we are filled with God’s love, His love will shape both our actions and our prayers. Think before praying; “Is my prayer shaped by love?”