6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.
Heavenly Father, thank you for catching every worrisome care we cast in your direction. Should we “pray more and worry less”? Indeed, that’s not a cliché; it’s our freedom. You know our needs better than we do, but here are a few of which we’re aware.
We need power to love others as Jesus loves us, for our relationships are the most daily need we have for your grace. We need freedom to accept our transitions in life and aches in our bodies. We need peace about the political chaos and culture of vitriol in our nation. We need wisdom for pressing decisions and important choices. We always need protection from the condemning voice of the enemy, who loves to rob us of a robust experience of your love for us in Christ.
Thank you for what you’ve already done? That’s easy to do, Father. You’ve given Jesus to us and for us. Jesus is now our righteousness, holiness, and redemption and a whole lot more. We praise and bless you for the indescribable gift of the gospel.
7 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.
On this Monday, we gladly receive the provision of your peace that passes all understanding, Father. We know your timing is Swiss and your faithfulness is great, even when your ways are hidden. Guard our fickle, wandering, impatient hearts.
8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.
By faith, right now we set our minds, affections and gaze upon Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith—our merciful Savior and mighty Lord—the fountain of grace and ground of all hope. Jesus is the most true and honorable, right and pure, lovely and admirable reality, in all of space and time. So very Amen we pray, in Jesus’ tender and triumphant name.
