Prayer Formula

PRAY

(Formula for the beginner or veteran of prayer)

Today’s Verse:  Philippians 4:4-8

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

My thoughts

Grace and Peace to you my dear friends.  As you read this I am not aware of how you are handling the stress that this Covid-19 has put upon you but I can imagine some of the emotions you are experiencing might be anxiety, fear, weariness, worry, etc.  Well, you are not alone.  So I hope today's message is one of inspiration and encouragement for you.

I am amazed at how God’s Word can speak directly into our everyday lives.  I have relied on these verses many times…. Mostly when I find myself emotionally bankrupt.  That usually occurs when things happen that are out my control.(like this pandemic).  When this happens, peace is nowhere to be found.  So, I’m reminded of this little quote, NO GOD, NO PEACE!  KNOW GOD, KNOW PEACE!   That’s what these verses seem to be telling me.  

Now let’s look at the peace formula God gives us.

1.       REJOICE! 

Know the joy that we have in having the Lord as our Saviour, who promised to be always with us.

2.       REVIEW! 

Know God is bigger than any situation we face.  Give Him thanks.  Know He is able and willing.  Give Him thanks.  Lay your burdens down at his feet.  And give Him thanks! 

3.       RELAX!

Know the Prince Of Peace is at work first and foremost within you.  Know this peace is beyond anything we can find or manufacture for ourselves.  Take time to relax in it.  Let it penetrate your soul…. your mind….. your body.  Give Him thanks!

4.       RESTART!

Now, look around you, the storm may still be crashing around you but the peace of God protects and guards your heart. Give thanks!

5.       RETHINK!

Whatever is….true…noble….right….pure….lovely….admirable….worthy of praise…. think upon these things. And give thanks!

6.       REPLAY!

Know that you will most likely need to repeat as needed. It’s ok!

Remember the story of Peter jumping out of the boat to go to Jesus who was walking on the water and how Peter took his eyes off the Lord and began to sink?  Why did he sink?  He took his eyes off the Lord and onto his surroundings.  The Lord didn’t let him sink but rescued him. That's good news for me and you.  Be grateful that Jesus knows our human frailties and reaches out to save us when we feel ourselves sinking...He is the Formula for everlasting peace.    Give thanks!

The peace of Christ be with you!