Praying for Peace

Is Your World Filled With Anxiety?

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"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7) 

The above verse in Paul's writing sheds light on a spiritual message of comfort and encouragement. This passage provides optimism and instruction and emerges from a letter written by Paul while he was under Roman house arrest. Despite his chains, Paul's letters carry joy and thankfulness, reflecting the genuine power of faith in Christ Jesus. His words to the Philippians are no exception; they serve as a lighthouse, illuminating a path through the storms of life and leading us to a calm harbor. 

"Do not be anxious about anything," Paul begins, addressing a universal human condition: anxiety. It is as if he speaks across the ages, understanding the untold worries that stress our health, provision, and relationships and cloud our view of the future. Nevertheless, in the face of these, Paul offers a divine cure: prayer, petition, and thanksgiving. It is a call to leave behind our natural inclination toward worry by leaning into a spiritual discipline that reorients our focus from our troubles to the providence and faithfulness of God.

This call to pray is not a call to passive resignation but to active engagement with the Lord. We find a path through our anxieties by laying out our requests before God with a heart full of gratitude for His past faithfulness. Remember the words of the old hymn? "What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear. What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer. Oh, what peace we often forfeit, oh, what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer!"

This attitude toward prayer is crucial. You must understand that prayer moves the heart of God and, when performed correctly, will build your faith. Your faith will grow because of the time you spend with the Lord. You will become more aware of His heart and will for your life. I urge you to pray and stop looking for prophecies. Prayer acknowledges God's sovereignty and goodness. When we pray, The Holy Spirit can remind us of the many ways our Father has helped us.

Yours in Christ,

Bishop Eric A. Lambert, Jr., Pastor

*Excerpt from "The Power of Prayer: Praying for Results" by Bishop Eric A. Lambert, Jr.