Devotion:
For an audio version of this devotion, click here.
Read Philippians 4:6-7.
This has long been one of my favorite scriptures. My grandmother had it written in the front cover of her Bible, and these words of scripture reflected her life (especially her later years), “The Lord is near, have no anxiety, but in everything make your requests known to God in prayers and petition with thanksgiving.” Paul loved the church at Philippi, and the closing chapter of his letter is a fond farewell to this community that has meant so much to him. But Paul was never at a loss for advice to his readers, and verse 7 sums up one of his core beliefs, “Then the peace of God, which is beyond our utmost understanding, will keep guard over your hearts and your thoughts, in Christ Jesus.” In a way that we can barely comprehend, God gives us a sense of peace and of hope, even in the most difficult of times.
Paul’s parting words to the Philippians are not hopeful speculation but are instead based on his experience of being connected to God and supported by the Holy Spirit. And so, he in turn urges the Philippians at all times and in all seasons of life to stay connected to God through their prayers – and to do so with thanksgiving. My grandmother would have agreed.
There is a beautiful song called “Day by Day” in the musical Godspell. It is based on a prayer from the 13th-century English bishop St. Richard of Chichester.
“May I know Thee more clearly,
Love Thee more dearly,
Follow Thee more nearly. “
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