We completed the final lectionary reading for this week yesterday, so today is writer’s choice.

Philippians 4:6–8 (NRSV)

6 Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Reflection

The apostle Paul, in three verses, packs a punch with a way to live and the promises that follow. The more I learn about prayer the more I realize I have to learn. But this I know. Prayer leads to peace. That is a promise not dependent upon us but God. Additionally, the more I learn about what my mind meditates upon the more I realize how important it is to choose those things that lift my spirit instead of crush my soul. The bottom line? We have a choice. Like we saw yesterday…the circumstances of life are well beyond our control (yes…it’s true). But our response…now that is something we decide upon. Paul is encouraging prayer with thanksgiving and meditating on the excellence of God’s words.

Prayer

Lord, make my heart yearn to be in communication with you at all times. Please prevent me from believing the lies of the world that tell me I am unworthy of a relationship with you. It’s never been about my faithfulness but yours alone. So I won’t worry today, I’ll pray as you’ve told me and focus on your words of life.