Thankful Prayer

In Philippians 4, Paul explains how to overcome anxiety and worry. Joy and gentleness (vv. 4-5a), along with the anticipation of the imminent return of Christ (v. 5b), should chase away any anxiety or worry you may be experiencing. Paul says directly, "Be anxious for nothing" (v. 6a), or "Do not be anxious about anything" (NIV).

Paul is not calling us to live a carefree life. Not at all! To be caring and concerned are good, biblical traits. To worry, however, is something all together different. Worry robs us of our trust in and reliance on God. Paul cared for the people he ministered to: "besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches" (2 Cor. 11:28). He cared for them, but he did not allow that care to become worry.

Instead of becoming anxious and giving in to worry, Paul encourages the Philippians to pray. "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God" (Phil. 4:6). Godly people react to trials by taking it all to God in thankful prayer.

There are three words used here to describe prayer—three synonyms. The first, "prayer," refers to our specific approach to God in presenting our needs. The second, "petition," refers to requesting an answer to a specific need. And the third, "requests," refers to definite and specific things asked for. The assumption of the text is that believers, when they have a need, will turn to God in prayer, "with thanksgiving" (v. 6b).

Paul concludes: "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (v. 7). When you approach God in prayer in this manner, and with a thankful heart, God hears and answers. He brings His peace, "the peace of God" (v. 7a), a peace "which transcends all understanding" (v. 7b), which is beyond our ability to comprehend, into our lives. He gives us that inner tranquility, that inner calmness of a believer's close walk with God.

God's peace will "guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (v. 7c). "Guard" (v. 7c) is a military term meaning "to protect or garrison by guarding." Like soldiers assigned to watch over a certain area, God's peace garrisons the "hearts and... minds" (v. 7c), that is, the emotions and thoughts, of God's children (Lightner, R. P. [1985], Philippians. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck [Eds.], The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures [Vol. 2, 664], Wheaton, IL: Victor Books).

When you stop worrying and start praying with a thankful heart in the midst of troubles, God will watch over you and give you His peace. You can always trust in Him. Amen.