In every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6
A meteorologist in Mississippi went viral for uttering six simple yet profound words during his weather forecast on March 24, 2023. Matt Laubhan was tracking a severe storm when he realized a catastrophic tornado was about to bear down on the town of Amory. That’s when Laubhan paused on live TV to say this prayer heard worldwide: “Dear Jesus, please help them. Amen.” Some viewers later said that prayer prompted them to take cover. His spontaneous and heartfelt prayer may have helped save countless lives.
Our prayers can make a difference too. They don’t have to be long-winded. They can be short and sweet and can be said at any time of the day. Whether we’re at work, running errands, or on vacation, we can “pray continually” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
God loves to hear us pray throughout the day. The apostle Paul reminds us that we don’t have to be prisoners of worry or fear but can take all our cares and concerns to God: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).
Whether we’re enjoying a sunny day or being hit by the literal or figurative storms of life, let’s remember to pause and pray throughout the day.
How can you be more intentional about praying throughout the day? How has your prayer life grown over the years?
Heavenly Father, thank You that I can pray to You at any time.
INSIGHT
Paul’s teaching on prayer in Philippians 4:4-9 is a wonderful encouragement. But he did more than teach about prayer. The following verses are examples of how the great apostle also practiced prayer on behalf of himself and others: “God . . . is my witness how constantly I remember you in my prayers at all times” (Romans 1:9-10). “Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved” (10:1). “We are glad whenever we are weak but you are strong; and our prayer is that you may be fully restored” (2 Corinthians 13:9). “In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy . . . that your love may abound more and more” (Philippians 1:4, 9). This is a small sampling of how Paul prayed for others—both those who believed in Jesus and those who didn’t yet know Him. What a marvelous example!