Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God (Philippians 4:6).
The Amplified Classic Version of the opening scripture says, “Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.†The Lord expects us to make definite requests of Him. Say exactly what you want!
There’s no need for vain repetitions or superfluity of words. Some people are that way when they pray, but Jesus said, “…When ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking†(Matthew 6:7). Some make vague requests. For instance, someone might say, “Help me Lord; I can’t continue like this,†and thinks he or she has prayed, but that’s not a definite request.
You have to state precisely what help you want. Is it help with your finances, your health, job, or your family? Whatever it is, be specific and act on the Word. Our opening verse gives us two key elements of effectual prayers: definite requests and thanksgiving. In Mark 11:23, the Lord Jesus said, “For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.†Jesus didn’t tell us to speak to “mountains,†but to “this mountain,†teaching us to be definite in acting our faith.
When you have a strong and definite desire for a change, make your faith proclamations accordingly, and begin to glorify God for the answers. Only when you’re specific in your requests are you able to effectively give thanks to God, because you know when they’re met. It makes no difference what challenges you’re faced with; refuse to fret or doubt! Tell the Father what you want, and praise Him for the answer. He said ask and receive that your joy may be full (John 16:24).
The Amplified Classic Version of the opening scripture says, “Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.†The Lord expects us to make definite requests of Him. Say exactly what you want!
There’s no need for vain repetitions or superfluity of words. Some people are that way when they pray, but Jesus said, “…When ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking†(Matthew 6:7). Some make vague requests. For instance, someone might say, “Help me Lord; I can’t continue like this,†and thinks he or she has prayed, but that’s not a definite request.
You have to state precisely what help you want. Is it help with your finances, your health, job, or your family? Whatever it is, be specific and act on the Word. Our opening verse gives us two key elements of effectual prayers: definite requests and thanksgiving. In Mark 11:23, the Lord Jesus said, “For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.†Jesus didn’t tell us to speak to “mountains,†but to “this mountain,†teaching us to be definite in acting our faith.
When you have a strong and definite desire for a change, make your faith proclamations accordingly, and begin to glorify God for the answers. Only when you’re specific in your requests are you able to effectively give thanks to God, because you know when they’re met. It makes no difference what challenges you’re faced with; refuse to fret or doubt! Tell the Father what you want, and praise Him for the answer. He said ask and receive that your joy may be full (John 16:24).
