Have you ever heard someone say, “We pray not because God changes our circumstances but because through prayer, He changes us” (or something similar to that)? This is only partly true. Yes, as we pray, God works in our lives for His glory—conforming us to His image. But, God also makes it clear to us that he works through our prayers to change situations and meet our needs.
The believers in the early church in Philippi were very diverse. There was a wealthy businesswoman and her family, a Roman prison guard and his family, a slave girl who was formerly demon-possessed, and others. I would assume their daily lives looked quite different. Certainly, the needs they faced were diverse. But, according to Paul, the one thing they had in common was need, and lack often leads to worry.
Paul tells them to stop worrying (“do not be anxious about anything…” Philippians 4:6) and to pray instead. He uses three synonyms as he encourages his friends to pray. He talks about prayer, supplication, and requests. If we take all of what Paul says in this passage an put it together, I think it looks something like this.
- Everything we think and do should be based on the all-knowing, all-powerful, everywhere-present character of a loving and just God. How we act and think will flow from how we view God.
- As we reflect on the above, our hearts should be filled with gratitude, and this gratitude should result in thanksgiving (the outward expression of a grateful heart).
- Based on who God is AND what He has done for us, we should pray. Yes, there is a place for meditative prayer, but this isn’t what Paul is referring to here. He’s speaking directly about making God aware of your needs. Jesus told us that our Heavenly Father knows what we need before we ask, but he tells us to ask. I don’t believe Jesus was asking us to take part in a meaningless exercise. Our prayers matter. There’s a lot we could say here as it relates to prayer, but here’s what’s clear. We have the privilege of bringing our needs to God and the assurance that He hears us. Not only does He hear us, but we can rest in the assurance that he will meet every need we have.
- And finally, this assurance should result in a joyous, anxious-free existence as we find rest in God.
Are you facing challenges in your life today that could produce anxiety? I am. This post is not just for you—it’s for me, too. I’m trusting today in that all-powerful God we serve. I’m making him aware of my needs—some of which are critical. And I’m leaning into him, knowing that he cares for me (and you).
Peace!
