Day 8 — Pray Instead of Worry

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

— Philippians 4:6–7 (BSB)

Yesterday we learned to throw our worries onto God. Today Paul gives us a step-by-step plan for doing it.

“Be anxious for nothing.” That sounds impossible! How can anyone never worry? But Paul doesn’t just say, “Stop worrying.” He tells us what to do instead. It’s like this: you can’t just tell yourself, Don’t think about a purple elephant. (Now you’re thinking about one, aren’t you?) The best way to stop thinking about one thing is to think about something else.

Paul’s plan is to turn every worry into a prayer. Here’s how it works:

1. Pray about it. “In everything, by prayer.” Everything! There’s nothing too big or too small to talk to God about.

2. Ask specifically. “Petition” and “requests” mean asking for what you need. Tell God exactly what you’re worried about and what you’d like Him to do.

3. Say thank you. “With thanksgiving.” This is the part people often skip. Thank God for who He is and for how He’s helped you before. Thankfulness reminds your heart that God is good and in control.

And then look at the promise: “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds.”

Surpasses all understanding means it’s a peace that doesn’t make sense. Your problem might still be there. You might not know how it will turn out. But somehow, deep inside, you feel calm, because you’ve put it in God’s hands.

And that peace will guard your heart and mind, like a soldier standing at a gate. When worries try to sneak back in, God’s peace stands in the way.

So here’s a new habit: every time you notice yourself worrying, let it be a reminder to pray. Worry becomes your prayer alarm!

Think about it: Why do you think thanking God is part of the plan for beating worry?

Try this: Use Paul’s plan today. When a worry comes, (1) pray about it, (2) ask God specifically for help and (3) thank Him for something.

Dear God, instead of worrying, I want to pray. Here’s what I’m worried about: [tell Him]. Please help me with [ask Him]. And thank You for [thank Him]. Please guard my heart and mind with Your peace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.