Cares to Prayers

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“Turning Cares to Prayers.”
Don’t Worry, Be Peaceful.

How we respond when someone says “don’t worry” varies not only based on our situation but also on our relationship with the one speaking. In some cases, we may feel dismissed, misunderstood, or pressured to suppress our emotions or concerns. On the other hand, when we value the word of the one advising us, the same two words can bring relief, comfort, and gratitude. Hearing “don’t worry” from a trustworthy source—one with experience or the ability to ensure a good outcome—not only reassures us but also inspires a positive response even when arrows of anxiety strike.

In Philippians 4:6–7, the apostle Paul exhorts us as believers to keep our minds at rest through prayer. Instead of being pulled in different directions or filled with worry—in proactive practice as well as when anxious feelings arise—we do better to present our requests to God through prayer with thanksgiving. The reward of living saturated in prayer and offering faith-filled requests with gratitude is God’s own peace guarding our hearts and minds. The Old Testament supports this teaching. Isaiah wrote of God, “You will keep in perfect and constant peace the one whose mind is steadfast [that is, committed and focused on You—in both inclination and character], Because he trusts and takes refuge in You [with hope and confident expectation] (Isaiah 26:3, AMP).

Although we do face real difficulties and concerns, through prayer we can override our natural responses to stew, fret, or even take action according to our own counsel. Rather than allowing our cares to consume or misdirect us, let’s take Paul’s advice and turn our anxieties to prayer. As we present our requests with thanksgiving to the God who cares for us, focusing on the Lord’s goodness and faithfulness, in turn, we receive deep, inner peace obtainable from no other source. Even in times of turmoil and uncertainty, godly peace serves as a guardian, stabilizing our thoughts and emotions, and governing our way. (See Isaiah 60:17b.)

Surrender your worries in prayer, turn your eyes upon Jesus, and find peace like an eye in a hurricane—a place to abide in the strong tower of His presence.

Jesus, today I fix my thoughts on You. I trust You and choose to focus on Your Word in every circumstance of my life. I make my petitions with thanksgiving, and praise You for guiding me. As I fix my thoughts on You, Your perfect peace prevails and governs my life. I commit afresh to think on things that are lovely and true, honorable and right, excellent and worthy of praise. I choose to put into practice the things I have learned of You, and heavenly peace will abide with me.

Lori Wagner, MTS

WNOP Administrative Team

Minister, Author, Speaker

(Information from: UPCI Prayer Connect Newsletter – World Network of Prayer – floshaw@wnop-upci.ccsend.com)