Click this link to hear an audio version of the below text narrated by SOTH member Jerry Rhinehart:
Philippians 4:2-9 (ESV)
Exhortation, Encouragement, and Prayer
2 I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 3 Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. 4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
What anxiousness do you need to pray about turning over to God?
Lord, I don’t have to look very hard to find things that can cause anxiousness right now. I am trying very hard to follow Your Word and make my fears and requests known to You to replace worry with prayer. I confess that I still worry. Worry is destructive. I know that some worries are real, but many will never materialize and are lies from the devil. You cannot lie. You are always are with me, have a plan for the future and have my life in Your hands. Help me keep focused on Your wisdom and strength to resolve my anxiousness and replace it with confidence in You. Lord, please fill me with the peace which surpasses all understanding and guard my heart and mind to overcome anxiety. Help me to focus on what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and commendable so that the fear and anxiousness of this world does not overcome me. Lord, You overcame death and provided a way to everlasting salvation through Your resurrection. I am confident that by Your love, forgiveness, and grace I will be with You for all eternity. Things may not be going the way that I had hoped, but this is temporary and You are eternal. Help me to lay all things at Your feet. Give me Your hope over all earthly concerns. Lord, today I choose to rejoice in You. Amen