Prayers of Asking

Today’s reading is out of Philippians 4:4-9 and John 16:24. Begin todays’ devotion by reading these passages.

The most common form of prayer (that even non-believers practice sometimes) is prayers of asking God for things. This is also called a prayer of petition. Did you know that God loves these kinds of prayers and even invites us to ask Him for anything? No request is too big or too small for God! Our Heavenly Father listens to our prayers and knows the concerns in our hearts. Whether it’s asking God for help with your job, finding a new place to live, or asking for a parking space, God cares about each request.

The Apostle Paul reminds the church in Philippi that no matter what is making them anxious in their lives, they can go to God and ask for His help. We can go to God with each request and He promises us to give us His peace in exchange for our concerns.

Read and reflect on the passages below and invite God to speak to your heart.

Philippians 4:6-7 6Do 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.

John 16:24 (Jesus) “Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.”

Reflect

1. What speaks to you most from these passages? How is God challenging or encouraging you with them?
2. How can turning our worries into prayers help change our perspective when we’re feeling anxious?
3. Paul spends vs.8-9 talking about changing our thought life. How can changing our thoughts and focus affect the rest of our lives?
4. Paul mentions that the “peace of God” (v7) and the “God of peace” (v9) will be with us when we share our requests to God with thanksgiving. What’s the difference between the two? How does each phrase encourage you?

Act

Commit your heart to prayer every time you are faced with worries or anxieties that come to your mind this week. You can even consider writing them down, mark when you’ve prayed about them, and then write down later how God answered each one. Conclude each prayer by asking for God’s peace to take over in your heart/mind/soul.

Pray

Lord God, please take all of my anxieties in this moment, and replace them with your peace. Thank you for all of your promises of joy, peace, and hope. Fix my thoughts on You, and help me to get better at quickly moving on from distractions to re-focus on You. Continue to remind me of all the ways you are faithful in my life. Amen.