Week of Prayer: Day 6

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6).

Throughout our journey in life we face a lot of concerns. They can be overwhelming at times, creating a good deal of stress and anxiety. However, through prayer we have a wonderful antidote for worry.

While God knows what we need, He invites us to demonstrate our trust in Him by articulating our needs in prayer. In fact, He wants us to be specific, to pray targeted, strategic prayers for the things we are concerned with — for “every situation.” This involves more than just calling out a general distress signal of “Help me, God!” Instead, we can enumerate specific issues and concerns and present them to Him in petition.

In the midst of all our praying, another ingredient that is important in the apostle Paul’s admonition should be highlighted: to present our petitions to God with thanksgiving. Give thanks to God for past blessings, for prayers that He has answered. Thank Him in advance for the answers to prayers that are on the way. Praying with an attitude of thanksgiving can take the edge off of fear and anxiety and set our hearts at peace.

God knows what you need, and He is ready to respond to your petitions in accord with His will and purpose. Be ready to offer thanksgiving to Him for the answers that come.  

John T. Maempa