Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Philippians 4:6 NABRE
Paul is writing in the quoted section of the letter to the Philippians calling two leaders of the community to reconcile. But not only reconcile he calls them to rejoice, and pray, focus on what is good, true and beautiful. Paul tells them to rejoice in the Lord always, rejoice he repeats. He wants them to make their kindness known. He tells them the Lord is near, so there is no reason to have any anxiety. With God near us, listening to us, we can be kept from being anxious, a type of fear that is unnecessary when we have faith in God. Then Paul says in everything, by prayer, petition and with thanksgiving make your requests known to God. Paul has such confidence in faith that he tells them to pray; for him this is being in touch with God as an old friend with praise. Then he tells them to make their petition, in other words let God know what you need, or what is bothering you or why you are anxious, be clear with God about what it is you desire or need. Finally with great faith be thankful. Paul acts with confidence that God will answer their prayer. Paul tells us through his confidence that God answers all prayer. So be thankful for God’s response. Paul goes on to say having done these things you will be at peace, a peace the surpasses all understanding and will guard your heart and mind, in other words you will have God’s help in future moments of anxiety.
Paul’s model for speaking to God can work in every situation. We should always pray to God our friend, petition God, be clear about what we need or desire and then be thankful for God’s hearing and response. Sometimes we think God doesn’t hear us, this is never true.
What do you do with your anxiety? Are you thankful for everything?
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