These verses were the ones that convinced me that God really does want us to pray about everything. Here, Paul tells us that there is nothing in life that we should worry about. Then he says that, instead, we should pray about everything. When I first read these verses, I thought for sure there must be exceptions to the rule. Surely God has better things to do than to listen to my every little complaint or concern. Wrong. Look at it this way--whatever we don't pray about, we're going to worry about, right? And the point God is trying to make here is that He doesn't want us worrying about anything. That means that there's nothing that's too trivial to bring to God's attention in prayer.

Years ago, I was told by well-meaning people that I was not to bother God with the little details of life. I shouldn't pray about my sick hamster. I musn't bother God with every little tiff I have with my friends. Forget about praying about my school work. I have seen many precious people struggle with burdens that God is willing to lighten for them, all because they were under the impression that He's too busy or disinterested in their minor affairs. Now, when I tell you that I pray about everything, you can believe I mean everything. I don't wait until my little problems become big problems. I present them to God right away, and even when He doesn't answer my prayers the way I expect Him to, He always does something to ease the strain. Don't buy into that misconception that says God is not interested in every little detail of your life. Start today to pray about anything and everything that concerns you, and then enjoy the peace and satisfaction that settle over you when you do!

Prayer: Lord, I'm sorry for all the times I carried burdens I didn't have to, all because I neglected to bring them to You in prayer. Open my eyes and my heart and help me to see how much You love me, and how much you care about every little concern of mine. Whenever I am tempted to shoulder my burdens alone, please remind me to turn to You in prayer, and then surround me with Your perfect, healing peace.