This is part 2 of a 9-part series. View the entire series here.
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, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6-7 NLT
Introduction
You and your friends are sailing across the sea. A gale blows hard and batters the small wooden vessel against the frigid waves. Your hands are tired from holding the ropes so tightly. You look over your shoulder—your teacher sleeps soundly in the back of the boat. You can hardly believe it.
You race over to wake Him as you think to yourself, doesn’t He care? Doesn’t He know what’s going on? You’re determined to tell him everything you’re feeling. You rustle Him, despite the waves already doing a fair job at it. He awakens and looks around with tired eyes. He clears His throat before casting a great shout at the storm. “Peace! Be still!” In an instant, the chaos ceases. The waves lull, and the boat settles into a slow locomotion. You slump onto the bottom of the boat and close your eyes. Peace has come.
Peace That Protects
Prayer is an opportunity to share ourselves with God. Not only the good and jovial but also the tired and frantic. The pain and suffering. The hurt and confusion. Oftentimes we find ourselves trying to hold on for dear life as storms of busyness, strained relationships, and shaky finances swarm around us.
Does God even care? Doesn’t He know what’s going on? You find yourself wondering these questions and more. But God isn’t moved by the terrifying waves. He speaks to the storm—through it—and in an instant, heralds peace into our hearts. It is this power that protects our hearts and minds through difficult seasons, keeping us centered in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Prayer as a Discipline
As we strengthen our prayer life, we must consider Paul’s words on prayer: “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done” (Philippians 4:6 NLT).
Notice the command to not worry about anything. Prayer is not something to be added onto our worry—spending our time split between the two. The purpose of prayer is to drive out our worry. Growing in prayer is inseparable from learning to release anxiety and fear to God, trusting in Him for provision and protection.
Create a rhythm of praying frequently, openly, and with gratitude. Don’t hold back. God already knows your needs. This is a time to cast your worries onto Him as He speaks “Peace! Be still!” into every area of your life. Pray without ceasing. Bring your burdens, receive His promises, and lift up praises of thanksgiving.
