“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.”
Philippians 4:6-7

When St. Paul encourages those with anxious hearts to turn to God in prayer, it is a caring invite to turn to God in every time of need. From the fleeting prayer of guidance to the heartfelt cry for strength, the people of God are directed to a God who knows hardship, suffering and abandonment. Prayer is the precious gift that God bestows to His children for the anxious and difficult days we face. In the midst of throbbing chests and tear-stained cheeks, the child of God has the precious promise that God will hear our supplications.

God does more than hear our prayers though. His is more than just a compassionate ear that is inclined toward us in a time of need. He gives us a peace that the world cannot give. He replaces the anxiety that can fill our hearts with His peace that passes all understanding. This peace is not the cessation of hostilities but true reconciliation between God and His prodigal sons and daughters through the cross of Christ. The true peace of sins forgiven and paradise restored fills our hearts so that we need not be anxious about today or tomorrow or eternity for Christ Himself is our peace.

Church workers and church leaders are not immune to anxiety. Declining attendance and lagging offerings can often lead to anxious hearts. As we face trying times, may we avail ourselves of God’s gift of prayer that we might find peace for our troubled hearts. Though our prayers do not suddenly make everything right, we have God’s promise of peace that surpasses all understanding that guards and keeps our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. May God grant us His peace!

Prayer - You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you. Amen.
(from St. Augustine)

Fraternally in Christ,

President Lee Hagan