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
With Prayer
Back in 2016, the Angus Reid pollsters released a report on prayer. It stated that 42% of Canadians are involved in at least one prayer related activity, once each week. An additional 44% say they engage in some prayer activity each month. 86% of Canadians, even those who are inclined to reject religion themselves, view prayer as enriching for the person who prays. Those who pray are more likely to do so at home or in informal settings, rather than at a place of worship.
***
I read a statistic a while ago that said more Canadians believe in prayer than believe in God. I’m not sure who the atheists are praying to, but it does speak to the fact that we are naturally created to be in communion with our Creator. There is power in prayer, particularly when it is directed to the God of the Bible who is revealed to us through Jesus Christ. This is what the apostle Paul says in Philippians 4:6-7: “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.” This is a great promise and a greater privilege. When we are anxious, our God who loves us invites us to pray. When we do, He provides us with His peace, a peace which ensures that whatever is causing the anxiety will not overwhelm us. In the midst of the anxious prayer, don’t forget to be thankful. This lifts us from the anxiety to the peace giving God. So, pray!
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley