God Answers Prayer
By Rev. Ron Purkey
Guest Columnist
Read Philippians 4:6-9
“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)
“Peace with God” is the result of faith in Christ (Romans 5:1); “the peace of God” and the presence of “the God of peace” will come when the believer practices right thinking, right praying, and right living. Worry is tension between the mind and heart. The peace of God will guard (garrison) our hearts and minds if we but meet the conditions he gives.
First, right praying (Philippians 4:6-7). Not just praying, but right praying. The Bible nowhere says any kind of praying will bring peace to our hearts. What is right praying? It begins with adoration, for this is what the word “prayer” means in Philippians 4:6. This is love, enjoying the presence of God, honoring him in worship. Rushing into his presence and begging for peace of mind will never get results. We must bow before him in worship and let him search our hearts and minds. Next comes supplication, which means the earnest, sincere desire of the heart. True prayer comes from the heart, not the lips. What a joy it is to present our requests to him. Finally, there is appreciation or thanksgiving (see Ephesians 5:20 and Colossians 3:15-17). It takes faith to thank him for uncomfortable circumstances or for requests not yet granted. How God loves to hear his children thank him. Read Daniel 6:10 and you will see this is the way Daniel prayed. No wonder he had such peace in that lions den.
Second, right thinking (Philippians 4:8). Peace involves the mind (see Isaiah 26:3 and Romans 8:6). Thoughts are powerful; “as he thinketh, so he is” (Proverbs 23:7). Wrong thoughts will lead to unrest and discouragement, but spiritual thinking will lead to peace. Paul tells us in this verse what to think about; if you compare these virtues to Psalm 19:7-9, you will see the Bible (the Word of God) meets all of these requirements. Meditation on the word of God will always bring peace (Psalm 119:165).
Third, right living (Philippians 4:9). If there is something in my life I dare not pray about, then I will never have peace. Right living always brings peace (see Isaiah 32:17 and Isaiah 48:18, 22). It is not enough to use the Bible as a basis for praying and claiming its promises; we must also use it as a basis for our living, obeying its precepts. Read carefully James 4:1-11 and notice wrong praying (James 4:3), wrong living (James 4:4), and wrong thinking (James 4:8) produce war instead of peace. Remember, “Be anxious for nothing, 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 minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).
Read Ron Purkey’s Bible study outlines at www.rtcol.com/purkey free on the website. Purkey has been an ordained Baptist minister for 50 years.