Prayer

Philippians 4. Yesterday in chapter three, we saw Paul's appeal to have the knowledge of Christ. Today we see Paul's appeal to have the peace of Christ. Paul says in v.7 "...and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." How do we acquire this peace? Look back to v.6. It is by prayer. "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God." Then the peace of God will guard the heart of the child of God (v.7). What verse six basically says is this: "Don't worry about anything. Pray about everything." Or as the NLT version puts it: "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God's peace..."

Oswald Chambers says, "The job of every Christian is to pray. Plain and simple. Yet we want to do more than simply pray.....Prayer seems like such a small thing to do..." But that's not what Jesus said. To Him prayer is everything; it's a duty as well as a privilege, a right as well as a responsibility. We use prayer as a last resort; Jesus wants it to be our first line of defense. We pray when there's nothing else we can do; Jesus wants us to pray before we do anything at all!...Prayer is our business, our only business. Prayer is our holy occupation. Plain and simple." [Oswald Chambers, Prayer, A Holy Occupation]

And when we pray, God doesn't give us answers (understanding) to our questions that seek information. No. He gives us something far better. He gives us His peace, His peace that surpasses all understanding. And that kind of peace will guard your heart from worry and anxiety. Something we sure need today in light of all the bad news and current events. Prayer is the key to attaining God's peace. I would rather have His peace, than answers. And never forget: Prayer is not the least thing we can do. It's the greatest thing we can do. Jesus never taught His disciples how to preach. But He did teach them how to pray. Will you pray today? "Prayer may not get you what you want; but it will teach you what you need." [Vance Havner]

Prayer: "Lord, I won't worry about anything, but I'll pray to You about everything today. And I'll be thankful for all things. Then, Your peace will protect my heart and mind because the presence of Christ Jesus in my life surpasses anything that I could ever understand. Thank You Jesus of Your presence, Your power, and Your peace in my life. In Your name I pray, Amen."