Prayer and Thanksgiving                    

 TODAY’S VERSE
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, 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

TODAY’S THOUGHT
Prayer changes things. Karl Barth, a twentieth-century theologian, wrote, “He is not deaf, He listens; more than that, He acts. He does not act in the same way whether we pray or not. Prayer exerts an influence upon God’s action, even upon His existence. That is what the word ‘answer’ means. The fact that God yields to man’s petitions, changing His intentions in response to man’s prayer, is not a sign of weakness. He Himself, in the glory of His majesty and power, has willed it.” Paul knew this. That is why he tells us to stop being anxious. Instead, we are to pray, petitioning God, with thanksgiving in our hearts. Why? Because we are coming to our Heavenly Father, who loves us, cares for us, is all-powerful, and will work everything according to His will. We can trust God with the outcome; in exchange, He gives us something more significant than any answer we could ever ask for. He provides us with a promise to guard our heart and mind with His peace. Not just any peace, but a peace that transcends anything we can imagine. What is bothering you? What is it you need? What is breaking your heart? Talk to God about it. Today, right now, bring your requests to God and let His peace guard your heart and mind.

TODAY’S PRAYER
Father, You know my needs. You know my anxious thoughts. I bring my circumstances to You and ask for Your help with all my requests. Thank You, Lord, for hearing me. Thank You for caring. Thank You most of all for the peace that You bring to my heart and mind. In Jesus’ name.
Amen

 Ron Ovitt is an author, ordained minister, pastoral counselor, recovery coach, and President of Empower Ministry. Besides his lifetime experience of teaching and preaching, Ron has given over 500 lectures on habits, addictions, and emotional & spiritual-related topics. For information on his books, videos, and podcasts, go to www.ronovitt.com<http://www.ronovitt.com>

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