Bible Verse
Philippians 4:6-7
Paul writes from prison to encourage the Philippian church, teaching them how to maintain joy and peace despite difficult circumstances.
"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 (NIV)
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Other Translations
"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."
— ESV
"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
— KJV
"Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus."
— NLT
Understanding the Context
Book Context
Philippians 4 contains Paul's final instructions. After calling for unity and rejoicing, he addresses anxiety with this powerful prescription for peace.
Historical Background
Around 61-62 AD, Paul is imprisoned in Rome. Despite chains, he radiates peace and teaches the Philippians how to experience the same through prayer and trust in God.
Verse-by-Verse Breakdown
"Do not be anxious about anything"
A command, not suggestion. 'Anxious' (Greek: merimnao) means to be pulled in different directions, distracted with care. 'Anything' is comprehensive—no exceptions. Anxiety is forbidden not because problems aren't real but because God is trustworthy.
"but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving"
The antidote to anxiety: prayer. 'Every situation' matches 'anything'—if you can worry about it, you can pray about it. 'Thanksgiving' transforms perspective from problems to God's past faithfulness and goodness.
"present your requests to God"
Be specific in prayer. 'Requests' shows we can ask for particular things. God invites detailed conversation about our needs. Prayer transfers the burden from our shoulders to God's.
"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds"
God's peace is the result of prayer. It 'transcends understanding'—it makes no logical sense given circumstances. 'Guard' is military term—God's peace stands sentry over emotions and thoughts, protecting from anxiety's attacks.
Key Themes
Applying This Verse to Your Life
- 1
When anxiety rises, immediately turn it into prayer—trade worry for worship.
- 2
Practice gratitude by thanking God for past faithfulness before presenting new requests.
- 3
Be specific in prayer rather than vague—God cares about details.
- 4
Expect supernatural peace that doesn't match your circumstances when you pray.
- 5
Make prayer your first response to problems, not your last resort.
Questions for Reflection
- What are you currently anxious about that you need to bring to God in prayer?
- Are you trying to solve everything yourself, or are you presenting requests to God?
- How can you incorporate more thanksgiving into your prayers?
- Have you experienced God's peace that transcends understanding? What led to it?
Related Scripture
1 Peter 5:7
"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."
Matthew 6:25-34
"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink... But seek first his kingdom."
John 14:27
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives."
Psalm 55:22
"Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken."
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