Brendan Flannagan

Prayer is one of the most written about, but least understood concepts of Christendom. In this series, we will review the concept of prayer by expounding the Biblical technique as revealed in the New Testament. Paul’s exhortation to the Philippians serves as a fitting place to begin our overview. In Philippians 4:6-7, he presents the full picture of this Godly discipline and helps us understand why we pray, how we pray, and what happens when we pray. He writes,

“Be anxious for nothing, 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 comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 4:6-7)

In the conclusion of his letter to the church at Phillipi, Paul encourages the fledgling Church to be anxious for nothing. The Greek word used literally means “going to pieces” and it's not difficult for us to trace forward the same meaning to our common vernacular: I feel like I'm being pulled in different directions or “I’m falling to pieces”. This is the normal feeling of any human being on planet earth. Anxiety reigns!

Yet, the Christian is anxious for nothing. In the face of conflict, struggle, and difficulties the Christian is void of worry and fear. This must not be understood as a lack of concern, a type of fatalism. Certainly, the Christian remains engaged and concerned. But, their concern never metastasizes into undue worry and uncontrolled anxiety.

There are two reasons the Christian is able to respond in such unique, otherworldly, supernatural way to the stress and strain of this world.

1. A Complete Trust 

Christians rest in the absolute sovereignty and power of God. Proverbs 16:9 says, “the mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” The Christian chooses the best course of action and prepares for the journey, but they know the Lord delivers them to their final destination. Proverbs [21:31] says, “the horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory belongs to the Lord.” First and foremost a Christian is able to rest all their cares and anxieties in God, because they recognize that God is in complete control of every situation. Nothing escapes his vision, understanding, care, or authority.

2. A Divine Gift

The Christian is able to respond in such a unique way because they have a special gift from God. Prayer and supplication embody these special gifts and allow the Christian to actively, not passively, pursue God's will for their life regardless of the trials. Instead, the Christian responds to everything in prayer and supplication.

In his desire to emphasize the holistic nature of the Christian response, Paul first utilizes the negative, anxious for nothing; then he uses the positive, but in everything. According to Paul, the Christian responds to all things with prayer and supplication- “they are anxious for nothing, but in everything they respond with prayer and supplication.”

So, obviously, prayer and supplication remain critical components to the Christian life: they remain the first and best means of response to any circumstance. Rightfully, we can give these two components the designation of the Christians first responder, the emergency medic, and “the present help in our time of need”. They remain our primary means to serve Christ and battle Satan's agents in this dark and hopeless world.

Next post we will examine the different aspects of prayer and supplication. God desires to use both as a means to grow our relationship with Him and empower us for His glory.