1 Thessalonians 4:16-18Dear Father, who lifts our spirits,According to your teaching, we look for the LORD himself to descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the archangel's call, and with the sound of the trumpet of God.We firmly believe that the dead in Christ will rise first, then we who are alive, who are left, shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the LORD in the air, and so we, they and us, will be with the LORD and with you forever. Guide us to comfort and console one another with these words. Help us remember that our faith is the victory that overcomes the failure, sin, sickness, and death of this world!In the name of our conquering and returning Savior. Amen.Ⓒ 1996-2025 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. Heartlight appreciates Eldon Degge and Meridian Publishing for permission to make this available on our website. Praying with Paul is also available as a book.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-15Dear Father, comforter of the bereaved,On the death of our dear loved ones in Christ, may we comfort one another with thoughts of a glorious reunion.Help us not grieve as those who have no hope. Since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, you will bring with you at your coming those who have fallen asleep.We place our trust in you for ourselves, too, for we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the LORD, shall not precede those who have fallen asleep, but will share in their rapturous blessing.In the name of our conquering and returning Savior. Amen.Ⓒ 1996-2025 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. Heartlight appreciates Eldon Degge and Meridian Publishing for permission to make this available on our website. Praying with Paul is also available as a book.

1 Thessalonians 4:9-12Dear Father, perfecter of our love,Don't ever let us disregard you or your Holy Spirit, which you give us. Give us perfect love for our brothers and sisters in Christ. Let this teaching of yours fill our minds. Let this love among us grow more and more, every day and in every way.May we aspire to live quietly, to mind our own affairs, and to work with our hands or our minds, so that we may be dependent on no one and command the respect of those outside your family. May that respect lead them to listen, to heed, and also to become your children.In the name of Jesus I ask. Amen.Ⓒ 1996-2025 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. Heartlight appreciates Eldon Degge and Meridian Publishing for permission to make this available on our website. Praying with Paul is also available as a book.

1 Thessalonians 4:1-7Dear Father, sanctifier of families,Help us to learn how we ought to live and how we ought to please you. Help us give greater attention and effort to this. Your will for us is our sanctification, so enable us to abstain from all immorality.Many people around us glorify and romanticize lust. Help us to reject this way of looking at things. Guide believers into marriages of holiness and honor, giving themselves to each other in spiritual union with Christ along with the joining of personalities and bodies.Help our marriages to be established as the gathering of two in your name. Help our families to be your church in miniature. Help every follower of yours respect the marriage relationship of others and defraud no one in this matter.You have not called us to uncleanness, but holiness. Thank you, Father, for this high calling. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.Ⓒ 1996-2025 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. Heartlight appreciates Eldon Degge and Meridian Publishing for permission to make this available on our website. Praying with Paul is also available as a book.

1 Thessalonians 3:1-13Dear Father, our partner in caring,How hard it is to be far away from those we want to encourage to walk in your ways. We leave them in your hands, LORD, and ask you to send your angels to guard their ways. Keep those that we love from the power of the tempter. Grant us good news from them. We long to hear that they are learning more and more of your will and growing in your grace. Let us know that they are standing firm in truth. What thanksgiving we send before your throne, what joy we feel for them before you, our God. What a torrent of prayer we pour out before you that whatever is lacking in their faith may be supplied!Make us the agents who will supply their spiritual needs. Let there be many times for us and our loved ones to be together for times of refreshment in your word and in prayer.In the name of Jesus I ask. Amen.Ⓒ 1996-2025 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. Heartlight appreciates Eldon Degge and Meridian Publishing for permission to make this available on our website. Praying with Paul is also available as a book.