Pray for Sweden

“Lagom,” or “just the right amount,” is a word Swedes use to define their way of life. It is about enjoying good gifts as they come without holding on to them too much. Part of finding joy is understanding that one can pursue it too much. The best life is a balanced one. Swedes work their jobs diligently but incorporate a long break sometime during the day to relax, drink coffee, and talk with friends. Sweden’s people value community and equality and are proud of how they look out for each other. With many national leaders focused on making life comfortable in “the people’s home,” Sweden has one of the highest standards of living in the world.

But while balanced living has created flourishing communities, the Swedes are spiritually desolate. The Protestant Reformation once made Christianity a significant part of Swedish culture, and 50 percent of the population are members of the former state Church of Sweden. Yet, Sweden is considered one of the world’s most secularized countries. Even people in the Church see it as a gathering place for weddings and funerals more than as a place of worship. Prominent leaders within the Church have strayed from biblical principles, encouraged sinful lifestyles, and promoted false teaching. Besides the Church of Sweden, there are few other religious groups; roughly 40 percent of people identify as non-religious.

But even as many pursue worldly happiness, the nation is experiencing another spiritual shift. The Swedes may be awakening from their slumber. Religious participation has increased in recent years, and where spiritual conversations were once avoided, believers are finding friends and family more open to conversations about faith. Church pastors report a large jump in attendance among the youth. Much work needs to be done if Jesus is truly going to define the lives of the Swedish people, but God continues to work in Sweden.