In 1990 MC Hammer released the song, "Pray" I still remember the lyrics, "You've got to pray just to make it today." Wow, that was a blast from the past. The message, however, still applies as much today as it did when I first heard it.
The Apostle Paul definitely knew what he was talking about when he told Christian brothers and sisters in Philippi, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7 NIV).
Let's break it down. Paul told the believers not to be anxious or worried about anything. Instead of being anxious and worried, he told them to present their requests to God. Now, not only did he tell them what to do... "present your request to God"... but he told them how to do it. He said they were to present their requests by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving. In their prayers (think the Lord's prayer) they would petition (ask God while they were praying) God and give thanks to Him for who He is and what He has done.
When they would bring their requests to God, as they were praying, asking, and thanking God, His peace would guard their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. The same God who raised Jesus from the dead can deliver us in any and every situation we encounter. When we pray, ask, and thank God in EVERY situation, we have a peace that goes beyond all understanding and God guards our hearts from worry and anxiety.
Today, are you praying and trusting God about any and every situation you encounter or are you trusting in yourself, other people, and worldly wisdom for your source of strength, life, and hope?
In my next post I'll share an easy way to pray to God. Many of you will be familiar with it, but it may serve as a reminder and help jump start your prayer life in this new year. See you soon.
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