“Do not be anxious about anything but by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6 NIV)
Have you ever thought about how amazing it is that the God of the universe takes requests? He’s not a DJ at a small town skating rink, He’s the King of everything and still He’s given us means for input, objection, even appeal. What’s more, God has built an anti-anxiety device into the fabric of following Him. Prayer is both a coping mechanism and a communication tool. Have you ever stopped and thanked Him for the extraordinary gift of prayer? Have you considered where you might still be without it?
No one taught me how to worry. I’ve been quite adept at it as far back as I can remember. Thankfully, though, many people have taken the time to teach me how to pray: my parents, sunday school and catechism teachers, Apostle Paul through his writing and a myriad of authors. Prayer is our primary tool in turning down and eliminating anxiety.
I’m concerned for Generation Z. They tend to be adept at anything high-tech (computers, video game systems, iphones and power-point) but bumbling with low-tech (conversation, social interactions, filling out paperwork). As digital natives, their screen time has inadvertently accrued incredible anxiety: the fraternal twins of comparison and cancellation breathe down these kids’ necks every day. Apart from prayer as an anxiety-buster, how will they make their way forward? How will they achieve the great things they are called to?
Prayer is our coping mechanism for the chaos and crush of this world. It’s the way we step back and put things in proper perspective. It’s how we communicate our needs and desires to a good Father King. It’s the means by which our hearts are aligned with His will. Thank God for prayer!
“Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praise shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life. ” (Philippians 4:6-7 MSG)
Lord, we are so grateful for the gift of prayer. Where would we be without it? Without You? Prayer is a practice we can employ every day, and we must. It’s our most powerful strategy for alignment with Your purpose. May we be quick to pray and slow to worry;
thankful in all things. Amen.