Philippians 4:6-7

Philippians 4:6-7

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

Philippians 4:6-7

QOP- Behind the Scenes
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This week, we are taking a look at who it is we pray to. Today’s verses are full of life-altering truths about the profound effects of prayer in our hearts and minds. The power behind this change, as mentioned in the final words of verse seven, is rooted in the person of Christ Jesus and what he has accomplished on our behalf.

Slide

Ephesians 3:13-14 tells us more about the connection between Christ and peace. “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility.” He himself is our peace. This certainly resonates with Isaiah’s prophecy that the Messiah would be called the Prince of Peace.

Slide

Although Jesus now sits at the Father’s right hand in Heaven, he told his disciples before his betrayal that his peace would remain with them: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27).

QOP- Make it Real
Slide

The peace of God is ours through Jesus, our great high priest and mediator. Paul describes this peace as surpassing understanding. We have the great benefit of living in a time where the science of mental health is more understood than ever before. Medications and therapy strategies have undergone rigorous scientific review and are prescribed by trained professionals. I have personally benefited greatly from these interventions, and I do not hesitate to affirm their value.

Slide

And yet, the peace described in Philippians is a state of being that goes beyond what can be achieved by any human means. We can neither attain it nor explain it through our own efforts. When we pray, humbling ourselves in supplication and choosing to give thanks to God whatever our circumstances may be, Paul writes that this unique kind of peace WILL guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. This is who we pray to–the God who is uniquely able to fill us with incomprehensible peace as we bring our anxieties and requests before him.

Slide

Even before we see if and how our circumstances change in response to our prayers, we ourselves are changed by God, who is Himself our peace. Can you recall a time you were inexplicably filled with the peace of Christ? Do you tend to look to God as the source of ultimate peace? Or do you try to guard your heart and mind by your own means apart from the Prince of Peace?

QOP- End in Prayer
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God in Heaven, thank you for hearing my prayers. It is incredible to think that you hear and respond to my requests. Forgive me for the times I have tried to go it alone. In the name of self-reliance, I have forfeited the gift of peace you freely offer. Thank you for bringing me near to yourself through your sacrifice, Jesus. Help me to abide in you, surrendering my hopes and my needs, giving thanks, and trusting you to provide for me in the way only you can. In your holy name, amen.

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

Philippians 4:6-7

Behind the Scenes

This week, we are taking a look at who it is we pray to. Today’s verses are full of life-altering truths about the profound effects of prayer in our hearts and minds. The power behind this change, as mentioned in the final words of verse seven, is rooted in the person of Christ Jesus and what he has accomplished on our behalf. 

Ephesians 3:13-14 tells us more about the connection between Christ and peace. “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility.” He himself is our peace. This certainly resonates with Isaiah’s prophecy that the Messiah would be called the Prince of Peace.  

Although Jesus now sits at the Father’s right hand in Heaven, he told his disciples before his betrayal that his peace would remain with them: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27).  

Make It Real

The peace of God is ours through Jesus, our great high priest and mediator. Paul describes this peace as surpassing understanding. We have the great benefit of living in a time where the science of mental health is more understood than ever before. Medications and therapy strategies have undergone rigorous scientific review and are prescribed by trained professionals. I have personally benefited greatly from these interventions, and I do not hesitate to affirm their value.  

And yet, the peace described in Philippians is a state of being that goes beyond what can be achieved by any human means. We can neither attain it nor explain it through our own efforts. When we pray, humbling ourselves in supplication and choosing to give thanks to God whatever our circumstances may be, Paul writes that this unique kind of peace WILL guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. This is who we pray to–the God who is uniquely able to fill us with incomprehensible peace as we bring our anxieties and requests before him. 

Even before we see if and how our circumstances change in response to our prayers, we ourselves are changed by God, who is Himself our peace. Can you recall a time you were inexplicably filled with the peace of Christ? Do you tend to look to God as the source of ultimate peace? Or do you try to guard your heart and mind by your own means apart from the Prince of Peace? 

Hailey Schroeder

Hailey Schroeder

ACF Devo Team

End in Prayer

God in Heaven, thank you for hearing my prayers. It is incredible to think that you hear and respond to my requests. Forgive me for the times I have tried to go it alone. In the name of self-reliance, I have forfeited the gift of peace you freely offer. Thank you for bringing me near to yourself through your sacrifice, Jesus. Help me to abide in you, surrendering my hopes and my needs, giving thanks, and trusting you to provide for me in the way only you can. In your holy name, amen.  

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