PEACE - Philippians 4:4-7

Rejoice in the Lord always, again I will say rejoice.  Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near.  Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guide your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:4-7

A three step program, leading us once again to the Trinity.

First, here is what you should not do:  Don't worry.  Don't worry about anything.

Second, what you should do: Give it to God.  Everything.

Third, what the Father, Son and Holy Spirit will do for you: The Trinity - God's peace in Christ! - will guard your hearts from worry and change your  misunderstanding minds.

How can we be so changed?  As before, with persistent prayer, thanksgiving and joy.  "Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I will say rejoice."  Paul repeats to the Philippians what he told the Thessalonians, but he adds more directions for us.  Note the turn of prayer, from anything to everything.  Note the tone of thanksgiving as we let our requests be known to God.  And note the infectiousness of the joy of that surpassing peace: "Let your gentleness be known to everyone.  The Lord is near."

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“I talk to God a lot.  In the shower, in the car.  Some people might call it prayer, but I like to think of it as a kind of thought process, a figuring out.”

“Does he hear you?”

“God?  Sure.  God hears us whether we’re talking to him or not.”

“Hey, Joe, come on, what makes you think God would take the time to listen to you?

“I don’t know, Jim.  I don’t know why.  I just know he does.”

“How do you know?”

“He answers.”

--- Journal archives, 1990 

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But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you.  Peace I leave you; my peace I give to you... - John 14: 26-27.  
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Lord, help us to keep listening for your answer.  Help us to keep praying with joy and thanksgiving, and keep speaking to us through your Holy Word and with your surpassing peace.

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