Philippians 4:6b - "Pray About Everything"

Today we discover God's replacement for worry—whatwe are to do instead. Paul continues: "But in everything by prayer andsupplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God."Notice the contrast. Don't worry about anything. Instead, pray abouteverything. Paulnow mentions four beautiful words that describe our conversation and communionwith God.  First is the word prayer. Thisspeaks of our general fellowship with God. Before we ask for anything, wesimply come into His presence and worship Him as our loving heavenly Father.Remember, Jesus taught us to pray in Matthew chapter 6: "Our Father whoart in heaven, hallowed be Thy name." Holy is Your name. Our Father. WhenJesus says, "Our Father," in teaching us to pray, we are not onlypraying corporately with other believers, even though sometimes we are. We areactually praying alongside Jesus Christ. He is praying with us. He isinterceding for us. He is helping us as we pray. We pray with Him. We haveaccess to the Father because of who Jesus is. That is why we say, "OurFather." Prayeris our connection to God. It is our communion with Him. It connects us toheaven itself and all the resources of heaven. Prayer is vitally important inour walk with God as we learn more about Him, discover His will, and fulfillHis purposes for our lives. We need to learn how to pray. The disciples neversaid, "Lord, teach us to preach," or, "Teach us to teach."But they did say, "Lord, teach us to pray." That should be our prayertoday. Second,we see the word supplication. This refers to earnest, heartfelt petitions. Itbrings our specific needs before the Lord with humility and dependence. It isrecognizing our need. In James chapter 1, we are told that if anyone lackswisdom, let him ask of God. We need wisdom. In James chapter 4, we learn not toask for things to satisfy our own lusts or selfish desires, but to ask for thethings that please Him. James writes: "Cleanse your hands, you sinners,and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Draw nigh to God, and He will drawnigh to you." That happens as we find cleansing through the blood ofChrist.  Then,in James 5:16, we read: "Confess your trespasses one to another, andpray for one another, that you may be healed." Notice the next words: "Theeffective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." That iswhat supplication is—earnestly praying, both for ourselves and on behalf ofothers, as we fervently seek God's face and His resources. Third,we see the word thanksgiving. How important this word is! Nothing drives awayworry like a thankful heart. When we remember God's past faithfulness, we findconfidence for today's problems. Perhaps before asking God for something new,we should first thank Him for all He has already done. Thankfulness. How weneed to cultivate hearts of gratitude for the wonderful blessings we enjoyevery day. Thenfinally, Paul says: "Let your requests be made known unto God." Remember,Jesus taught us to pray: "Give us this day our daily bread." Dailywe can pray: Father, protect us. Guide us. Provide for us. Help us. Empower us.Fill us. God invites us to tell Him exactly what is on our hearts. Not becauseHe does not already know—He knows before we ask—but because He desires arelationship with His children. He delights in our coming to Him with our needsand bringing every concern before Him. Thinkabout that. The Creator of the universe invites you to bring every concern toHim. Nothing is too small, and nothing is too great. If it matters to you, itmatters to your heavenly Father. What a privilege, my friend! When anxietycomes, do not rehearse the problem over and over in your mind. Turn it intoprayer. Every worry can become an invitation to draw closer to God. Tomorrow wewill look at God's wonderful promise to everyone who does just that.