Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
June 14, 2023: SOAP #4941: 1Kings 15; 2Chronicles 13,14; Philippians 4

SCRIPTURE:  Philippians (NIV) 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

OBSERVATION:  Here are two verses that are often used as stand-alone passages:  the first about prayer, and the second about peace.  But there is a simple word at the beginning of verse 7 that connects it with verse 6.  It is the word “and.”  Verse 7 is continuing the thought of verse 6.  Verse 7 is the result of the praying in verse 6. 

Taking my requests to people does not result in peace.  What if they are not able to fulfill my request?  What if they are not willing to help?  What if their circumstances change and prevent them from helping me?    Having good intentions does not guarantee their help.   After talking to people, I cannot rest assured that all is well. 

APPLICATION:  So, if I want the peace of verse 7, I must pray like verse 6. 

In “presenting my requests to God” I know I have taken them to the highest authority possible!  I know I have taken them to the most powerful being!  I know I have taken them to the wisest being!  I know I have taken them to the only One who will never run short of resources!   I know I have taken them to One who loves me dearly!  He may use people to answer, but they will be responding to Him and not to my ability to motivate them to give to me. 

These verses do not limit my prayers to specific needs or for certain problems, or even certain people.  These verses give us basic truth about praying for “anything” and “everything!” 

PRAYER:   Heavenly Father, surely you want your children to have the joy of answered prayers.  Surely you enjoy answering the prayers of your children.  So, you want us to grow and pray according to the guidelines you have set for us.  Holy Spirit, help me pray prayers that the Father loves to answer!  Amen

Pastor Leon
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