7 day plan

Prayer – our passport to God

Day 1 of 7

CSB

Philippians 4:6-7

6Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Reflection: During this time of upheaval and crisis, prayer is a wonderful way of surrendering to God and seeking the peace only he can give. Earlier this year, in my role as CEO of Bible Society, I began to call on all staff, Board members and supporters to prayer, individually and as the body of Christ in Bible Society. As the months of this year have moved by, this call to prayer has become even more crucially important.

I believe a call to prayer isn’t a good thing or a small thing – it’s something that is weighty and important.

Paul makes clear that we are to be a people of prayer and a team of prayer.

My desire is that prayer would saturate our lives.

This passage is powerful. Anxiety is one of the biggest challenges people face. Especially in the face of the crisis our world is facing with the global coronavirus pandemic. But Paul urges us not to be anxious, instead to go to God in prayer in every situation!

Theologian John Piper writes: “God has established prayer as the means by which we receive his supernatural help. And without supernatural help, we cannot live a life worthy of the gospel.”

Prayer: God of peace, help me to find your peace. Give me the courage to surrender my fears and fully embrace your love. I seek your peace which cannot be explained for that is the only peace which can conquer fear. In the name of Christ, I pray, Amen.

 

Days

Philippians 4:1-23

1So then, my dearly loved and longed for brothers and sisters, my joy and crown, in this manner stand firm in the Lord, dear friends.

Practical Counsel

2I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 3Yes, I also ask you, true partner, to help these women who have contended for the gospel at my side, along with Clement and the rest of my coworkers whose names are in the book of life. 4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. 6Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

8Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable — if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy — dwell on these things. 9Do what you have learned and received and heard from me, and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.

Appreciation of Support

10I rejoiced in the Lord greatly because once again you renewed your care for me. You were, in fact, concerned about me but lacked the opportunity to show it. 11I don’t say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I find myself. 12I know how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content — whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. 13I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me. 14Still, you did well by partnering with me in my hardship.

15And you Philippians know that in the early days of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving except you alone. 16For even in Thessalonica you sent gifts for my need several times. 17Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the profit that is increasing to your account. 18But I have received everything in full, and I have an abundance. I am fully supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you provided — a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19And my God will supply all your needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Final Greetings

21Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me send you greetings. 22All the saints send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household. 23The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.