I was really worrying about some things the other day and I went to sleep with a foreboding feeling that only the fear of unknowns and what-ifs can bring. The next morning when I woke for prayer I went to my place and lay silently before the Lord to quiet my soul, and then He spoke to me:
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
These verses give us the perfect formula to gain peace through prayer.
Do not be anxious – Love instead
Anxiety is a form of fear. The Bible tells us that perfect love, (love for God and trust in His love for you that has been allowed to grow to maturity), cast out all fear (1 John 4:18). When we have fear or anxiety about anything it’s a strong indication that we are not allowing love to work in us. Learn to look to God’s love when you start to be anxious about anything and then instead of worrying about things, pray about everything.
Everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving
In order for your prayers to be effective you have to add the next ingredients. This is a mix; think of them as a special season blend that brings to life your favorite recipes.
The word prayer in this verse would be better translated as worship. It means to entreat God through worship, coming before Him as one who is humble and in need of a Savior.
Supplication on the other hand is the process of forming and/or asking for a petition. A petition is a judicial term that means request. Our petitions should be well thought out so that we don’t ask amiss but according to the will of God.
His promise is this:
If we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him (but it takes confidence in God) 1 John 14 and 15
Thanksgiving is the way to God’s heart. It’s how we enter His presence and get His inattention. Thanksgiving is a sign that you believe He heard you and that you trust Him to answer your prayer.
Make your request known to God –
After you added love and worship and formed a well thought out petition bring your requests before Him with thanksgiving. Ask Him for exactly what you need not only for the situation but for also for yourself in the situation.
This is what I did, it wasn’t something I hadn’t heard before but it was exactly what I need for this season – to remember that help and peace are just a prayer away. No matter what I go through, small or big – in everything I can go to God in prayer. The promise that His peace will guard my heart and mind remains true.
Beloved, whenever you are feeling anxious about anything remember to pray in this way and receive God’s peace.
Leave a Reply