In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

Philippians 4:6 ASV

THANKSGIVING IN EVERYTHING

It appears that Paul saw prayer as the fitting human response to every conceivable situation that might arise in life; and the position of this phrase at the beginning of a long clause would make it applicable throughout the clause, with the meaning that “thanksgiving” should characterize every prayer, no matter what unusual or extreme life-situation might have triggered the prayer.

But how can anyone be thankful “in everything”?

In youth one may thank God for the brightness and prospect of life beckoning to the future.

In age one may thank God that life has extended so long.

In health one may thank God for the greatest of physical blessings.

In illness one may thank God for wise physicians, kind nurses and the tender concern of loved ones.

In wealth one may thank God for having been made the steward of such large accounts.

In poverty one may thank God for him, who though he was rich became poor that he might make many rich, and for his special promise, “Blessed are ye poor.”

In the event of great loss one may thank God for blessings he is yet permitted to retain.

In death itself the Christian can thank God for the hope of eternal life.

At all times and places, in all circumstances and situations, the Christian will thank God for Jesus Christ our Lord, for the Father who gave him, for the life he lived, the death he died, his resurrection from the dead, and for his everlasting gospel which we have received.

But, does not God already know everything?

In a sense, of course, he does; but the command of God, as uttered here through an apostle, explains the manner chosen by the Father, through which he will know “the requests” of his children.

Note too, that this apostolic order says nothing of making known one’s needs or desires. God already knows about them; but our “requests” … they do not even become requests until they are made known to God in the prayers of his people.

WHAT SHOULD BE REQUESTED OF GOD?

The forgiveness of sins. Christians are commanded to pray for the forgiveness of their sins (Acts 8:22); but the unbaptized, even though they are believers, are not so commanded.

The believing Saul of Tarsus had been on his knees three days and nights; but God’s messenger neither invited him to continue his petition, nor did Saul receive any answer.

On the contrary, the inspired preacher commanded him to “arise and be baptized and wash away his (thy) sins” (Acts 22:16).

The forgiveness of the sins of others. Both our Lord (Luke 23:34) and the martyr Stephen (Acts 7:60) prayed for the forgiveness of the sins of others.

The wisdom of God. “If any man lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not, and it shall be given.” (James 1:5,6).

Relief from bitter experiences. Jesus himself prayed that “the cup” might pass from him (Matthew 26:39).

Our daily bread. This line from the Lord’s Prayer probably has the larger meaning of “food for today.” In any event, prayer for all of life’s basic necessities, such as food, clothing and shelter, is authorized by this model prayer.

Laborers in the vineyard. “Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth laborers into his vineyard” (Matthew 9:38).

Laborers already working. Paul admonished the Ephesians to “Pray for ME, that utterance may be given unto me that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel” (Ephesians 6:19).

For mercy. “Come boldly to the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).

For the sick. “The prayer of faith shall save the sick” (James 5:14,15).

Deliverance from temptation. “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one” (Matthew 6:13).

For them that despitefully use us. This includes prayer for enemies. See Matthew 5:44.

In everything. The text before us stresses the need of prayer in all of life’s conditions and circumstances. Any list, therefore, of things we should pray for must be partial and incomplete.

“Everything” certainly covers a lot of territory.

For rulers and authorities. Paul singled out as an object of prayer, in all probability, because it is easily overlooked, especially in a corrupt age like that of the New Testament era.

Paul Said:

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all men, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life, godly and respectful in every way. This is good, and it is acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

1 Timothy 2:1‭-‬4

Two examples of prayers for “all that are in authority” are included here:

Eternal Father, Thou art He before whom the generations of men rise and fade away. From everlasting to everlasting, Thou art God. From Thee comes every good and perfect gift. To Thee, we lift our hearts in thanksgiving. Of Thee, we pray forgiveness of our sins.
O God, bless the President of the United States, the Members of Congress, and the judiciary. Bless these servants of the people that they may have wisdom to know what is right, courage to do what is right, and sufficient support of their constituents to sustain them in what is right. Endow these Thy servants with grace and knowledge to the end that the wounds of our bleeding world may be healed and peace on earth prevail. May Thy name be glorified and Thy kingdom be increased throughout all nations. God bless the United States of America and this House of Representatives. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

(A prayer in the House of Representatives, May 26,1953.)

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Almighty God, and our eternal Father: We praise and bless Thy holy name for all the benefits Thou hast granted unto the sons of men. We pray especially for that measure of Thy divine Providence which will enable all these Thy servants and ministers of Thy gracious will to know what is right, to have the courage to attempt what is right, and to be endowed with the strength to accomplish it. Bless this great City to the end that it might continue in peace and prosperity according to Thy holy will. In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

(Invocation at meeting of New York City Council, January 8,1965.)

WAYS IN WHICH GOD ANSWERS PRAYER

How does God answer prayer?

First of all, God answers prayer literally, as when Joshua prayed for the sun to stand still, Elijah prayed for drought, or rain, and when Jonah prayed to God from the belly of the great fish.

New Testament confirmation of God’s literal answer of prayer is in the following:

The supplication of a righteous man availeth much in its working. Elijah was a man of like passions with us, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain; and it rained not on the earth for three years and six months. And he prayed again; and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit (James 5:16-18).

God answers prayer by a refusal to grant the petition.

In 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 Paul detailed the fact of his earnest prayers that God would take away his thorn in the flesh, a thing God declined to do.

God also answers prayer by sending something different from what was requested.

For example, in Gethsemane Jesus prayed for the “cup” to pass from him; instead of allowing this, God sent an angel to strengthen the Lord.

Similarly, people may pray for lighter loads, but God may send them greater strength.

God answers prayer gradually.

Hawthorne’s allegory of The Great Stone Face illustrates this principle. Little Ernest longed to see a man who exemplified the character visible in the Great Stone Face. Gradually, after long years,. Ernest himself became that character.

God answers prayer after delay.

It seems strange that God would delay to answer Christian prayers, but it may not be denied.

The angel sent to stay the hand of Abraham about to offer Isaac delayed until the latest possible moment.

The wine had run completely out at Cana before the Lord answered his mother’s implied request.

When Jacob wrestled with an angel, day was breaking before the issue was decided.

In the New Testament, Jairus came to the Lord; and during Jesus’ delay, his daughter died.

Here also may be the explanation of why the Lord often delays the answer to prayer; it is that he may give something far more wonderful, or far better, than what was requested.

In the case of Jairus’ daughter, a resurrection was far better and far more wonderful than a healing would have been.

God also answers prayer through natural laws and processes.

When fields yield richly; when people enjoy good health; when nature pours out abundant blessings; all of these things are God’s answer to his children’s prayers for daily bread, nor should the Giver be overlooked merely because the normal processes of nature through which his blessings were conveyed are recognized and partially understood.

By way of summarizing the ways in which God answers prayer, some of the ways are:

• He may answer it literally.
• He may refuse to grant the petition.
• He may send something different from what was requested.
• He may answer it gradually.
• He may answer it after a long delay.
• He may answer through natural laws and processes.

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DIVIDENDS RECEIVED FROM GIVING

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