Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:4-7

 

Do not be anxious about anything.........isn't that a rather tall order? Anymore our days seem to present us with plenty of things to be anxious about. Last week a report indicated that the United States has the highest level of anxiety in the world and that was before the Pandemic. What can we do when our level of worry reaches such heights that it controls our every thought?

 

According to Philippians, by prayer, with thanksgiving, we are to present our requests to God. But do we ever struggle to find the right words to use? As Max Lucado says," Some people excel in prayer. They inhale heaven and exhale God. They would rather pray than sleep. They are members of the PGA: Prayer Giants Association."

But then he goes on to call himself a prayer wimp, someone who dozes off during prayer (napping with Jesus), whose thoughts zig and zag, who thinks of a thousand things he needs to do.

 

We may all need help occasionally like the disciples did when they asked Jesus for a tutorial on prayer. Wouldn't these times of uncertainty be perfect to work on prayer? Max Lucado's Pocket Prayer may be just the answer.

 

Father, you are good.

             I need help.                                                                                                  

                         Heal me and forgive me.

                                        They need help.

                                                       Thank you.

                                                                   In Jesus' name. Amen.

 

                                                                             Barbara Schneider