July 05 2026

Sunday July 05

“Pray About Everything”

Philippians 4:6b

Welcome to Pastor's Chat. Yesterday we learned about God's command in Philippians 4:6: "Be anxious for nothing." In other words, don't worry about anything. Today we discover, in the rest of this verse, God's replacement for worry—what we are to do instead. Paul continues: "But in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God." Notice the contrast. Don't worry about anything. Instead, pray about everything.

Paul now mentions four beautiful words that describe our conversation and communion with God.  First is the word prayer. This speaks of our general fellowship with God. Before we ask for anything, we simply come into His presence and worship Him as our loving heavenly Father. Remember, Jesus taught us to pray in Matthew chapter 6: "Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name." Holy is Your name. Our Father.

When Jesus says, "Our Father," in teaching us to pray, we are not only praying corporately with other believers, even though sometimes we are. We are actually praying alongside Jesus Christ. He is praying with us. He is interceding for us. He is helping us as we pray. We pray with Him. We have access to the Father because of who Jesus is. That is why we say, "Our Father."

Prayer is our connection to God. It is our communion with Him. It connects us to heaven itself and all the resources of heaven. Prayer is vitally important in our walk with God as we learn more about Him, discover His will, and fulfill His purposes for our lives. We need to learn how to pray. The disciples never said, "Lord, teach us to preach," or, "Teach us to teach." But they did say, "Lord, teach us to pray." That should be our prayer today.

Second, we see the word supplication. This refers to earnest, heartfelt petitions. It brings our specific needs before the Lord with humility and dependence. It is recognizing our need. In James chapter 1, we are told that if anyone lacks wisdom, let him ask of God. We need wisdom. In James chapter 4, we learn not to ask for things to satisfy our own lusts or selfish desires, but to ask for the things that please Him. James writes: "Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you." That happens as we find cleansing through the blood of Christ.

Then, in James 5:16, we read: "Confess your trespasses one to another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed." Notice the next words: "The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." That is what supplication is—earnestly praying, both for ourselves and on behalf of others, as we fervently seek God's face and His resources.

Third, we see the word thanksgiving. How important this word is! Nothing drives away worry like a thankful heart. When we remember God's past faithfulness, we find confidence for today's problems. Perhaps before asking God for something new, we should first thank Him for all He has already done. Thankfulness. How we need to cultivate hearts of gratitude for the wonderful blessings we enjoy every day.

Then finally, Paul says: "Let your requests be made known unto God." Remember, Jesus taught us to pray: "Give us this day our daily bread." Daily we can pray: Father, protect us. Guide us. Provide for us. Help us. Empower us. Fill us. God invites us to tell Him exactly what is on our hearts. Not because He does not already know—He knows before we ask—but because He desires a relationship with His children. He delights in our coming to Him with our needs and bringing every concern before Him.

Think about that. The Creator of the universe invites you to bring every concern to Him. Nothing is too small, and nothing is too great. If it matters to you, it matters to your heavenly Father. What a privilege, my friend! When anxiety comes, do not rehearse the problem over and over in your mind. Turn it into prayer. Every worry can become an invitation to draw closer to God. Tomorrow we will look at God's wonderful promise to everyone who does just that.

Let's pray. Heavenly Father, thank You for inviting us into Your presence. Teach us to replace worry with prayer, fear with faith, and complaining with thanksgiving. Help us to bring every request to You, believing that You hear us and that You care for us. We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.

God bless and may you have a wonderful wonderful day!