Welcome to Day 8 of 21 Days of Prayer + Fasting 2024. To learn more or purchase a book, visit FoursquarePrayer.org.
Today’s Scripture
“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. We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.”
—2 Thessalonians 3:1-5 (NIV)
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”
—Ephesians 6:12 (NKJV)
Reflect on the Word
It is God’s job to deliver us. It is our job to pray and ask for it. And though Paul asks for deliverance from wicked people, he says the Lord will protect us from the evil one. This is a reminder our protection is not against flesh and blood—not even the flesh and blood of evil people—but the principalities and powers at work within them (Eph. 6:12). And God will protect us. But He will first strengthen us. So, when deliverance seems to tarry, trust that the pressure is directing you into God’s love and forming Jesus’ perseverance within you.
Prayer + Contemplation
- Where are you taking deliverance and protection into your own hands instead of trusting in God to bring it about in His timing? Confess and place it in God’s hands.
- Are there people about whom God needs to remind you that your battle is not with them? Pray to see them as God sees them, and pray for their deliverance and protection, too.
- Pray to trust God as your deliverer, even amid painful trials and tribulations.
Family Moment: Power of prayer
Read 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5. Prayer is powerful! In Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians, he asks them to pray. Prayer is our greatest weapon against the enemy. We too have the assignment to pray God’s protection over others in His power. Write “God is our protector” on a piece of paper. Around that truth, write the names of people you know in need of God’s protection. Maybe they are staff members from your church, people at school, family members or neighbors. Take turns praying for the people on your new “prayer board.” If helpful, use the following prayer for each name: “Lord, please be faithful to strengthen and protect [name] from the evil one.”
