Paul's Prayers #18

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. (Phil. 4:6-7, ESV)

We are so tuned to the music of self that it's hard to see the missionary focus of this verse. Even intentionally studying for that purpose, I had to step back from the measure to see the full scope of the symphony Paul has written to Phillippi.

Phillippi was a missionary church! Founded when Paul ran into some godly women (Acts 16), Phillippi was one of the earliest Gentile congregations. So Paul's letter serves not only for discipleship, but provides assistance to a congregation that he founded. Not coincidentally, only a few verses before these Paul addresses conflict within the church between two women, Eudoia and Syntyche, whom Paul considers fellow laborers in the Gospel!

The enemy loves to step in and cause conflict between believers ... especially those working together to advance the kingdom of God. I don't think it's coincidental or unrelated that Paul follows his charge to these women with 3 fundamental commands:

1. Rejoice
2. Be reasonable
3. Don't be anxious, but pray!

In the midst of conflict and spiritual attack, we can achieve a great measure of unity by Paul's commands. Rejoice - praise God, together if possible! Be reasonable ... don't dig in our heels over unimportant matters. And finally, pray. Anxiety is easy to come by in relational conflicts. Prayer can nip anxiety in the bud, and bring healing and send the enemy running.

Rather than being unrelated, Paul's admonition to pray has everything to do with missions. Anxiety, whether personal or related to the enemy's attempt to cause conflict, can hinder our kingdom effectiveness. But the peace that comes with prayer can spur us on for His glory!