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The What, How, and Why of Philippians 4:6-7

First of all, I would like to take a moment to thank and praise my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! I have been blessed to be able to spend Christmas with family and friends. I've also been blessed to have ample time to spend studying the Word and growing closer to Christ. God is good and I pray that you will experience His love, mercy, and grace this Christmas season!

"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 transcends all understanding, will guard you hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

There is a lot of wisdom to be gained about prayer from these verses. What kind of attitude should we have when we pray? What should we pray for? What's the use of prayer anyway? God gives clear answers in Paul's letter to the Philippians.

Verse 6 tells us to bring all of our requests before God. We don't have to fear that anything is too petty for God, and we certainly shouldn't feel that anything is too big either! One of the best ways I know of to feel Christ's presence more is to just talk to Him. I try not to hesitate to bring anything to God simply because I know He loves me and hears what I speak to Him. I've shared such tremendous times with Christ with tears of joy or a heavy heart with each time bringing me a glimpse of the face of God. We can be assured that God wants to hear us call out to Him, and that is certainly grounds for rejoicing!

How are we to pray? In what way should we approach our Father? With thanksgiving! Whether it is to praise Him for answered prayer, humbly ask for mercy, or to share the burdens of our heart, we should come to God thankful for the very opportunity to fellowship with our Creator! Could there be a more appropriate feeling accompanying prayer, regardless of the prayer's purpose, than thanksgiving? I'm not sure I know of one! May we all approach God with a thankful heart in all circumstances. What a worthy challenge that is!

So what does God's Word say will happen if we approach prayer in this manner? God says that His peace will protect our hearts and our minds in Christ. I've never thought of peace as a warrior ready to defend my heart and mind, but isn't this what God is saying? God's peace will guard us, protect us, and defend us. We will experience God's peace when we bring our prayers and petitions to Him. He hears the words of His people and is faithful in blessing us with peace and protection. What an awesome God we serve!

Holy God, help us to bring all of our prayers to you. Help us to submit ourselves in our entirety. May we know your peace that transcends all understanding and be protected and secure in Jesus Christ as we walk with You. Thank you for providing all that we need. May we live that truth and know Your love. Amen

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