Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6-7
The more we hear of the things happening around our world, especially concerning how places, states, and even whole countries are shutting down and telling people to “shelter in place,” the more worry has become a very real part of life.
I see pleas of worry every day on social media. Even in our homes, worry might be a part of our conversations. Confession, worry is a part of the conversation in our home. It may seem that we have much to worry about, and I don’t want to undercut that worry. However, I do want us to remember something. When worry becomes common, the great temptation is to forget the one who is still in control.
Now, more than ever, is a time to remember to pray.
Prayer is a vital part of our faith, and so many times we want to make our prayers something “church sounding” we try to craft words that our pleasing to the Lord, but we are told in Romans 8:26,
“…for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words.”
What this says, is that we may not know how to pray, or what words to say, but even still, turn to God and speak. You can complain to God if you want, I promise God doesn’t mind, and I’m sure God has heard worse than you complaints. You can scream at God, you can praise God, it doesn’t matter. God created your emotions, so however you are feeling, let God know, these are your prayers and supplications.
Over the last couple of weeks, as the church staff have tried to navigate the things going on, figure out how to offer worship, and keep the community together, I have felt pretty overwhelmed. I haven’t always known what to pray. I’ve prayed for our congregation, I’ve prayed that you are safe and protected from harm, I’ve prayed for those whom I have heard are sick. I’ve prayed for our healthcare workers. Yet, when I have need peace in my own life, I’ve simply started to sing.
There’s an ancient prayer of praise we all know, and we sing it every week. It’s a song known, simply, as the doxology. I’ve found that it takes about 20 seconds to sing it, too. So, I sing every time I wash my hands. I also sing it just because; I sing because it expresses a praise for God when I don’t have the words. I sing because it guards my heart. I sing because in those small moments I know the peace of God.
Whatever you might be doing today, or whatever you may find to worry about, I encourage you to take a deep breath, and sing. Maybe to yourself, maybe aloud, maybe as your prayer before a meal today, join in singing the beautiful praise of the doxology in lifting our spirits to God.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God all creatures here, below.
Praise God above ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
May the peace of God meet you in the depths of your heart, today.
Grace & Peace,
Pastor Sam