Kevin Kroll
wrote:
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Hi guys,
This portion of Philippians reads:
Have no anxiety at all, but in everything,
by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests
known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding
will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7
- What exactly does this mean?
- It's not
saying we should worry about everything, is it?
- Is it saying
that if we tell God all the things we want, then we will have
the peace of God??
Kevin
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How does the Church interpret this part of Philippians dealing with requests, worries, and prayers? }
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Eric replied:
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Hi Kevin,
It is saying that instead of worrying about everything,
we should entrust our troubles to God as a young child
trusts his father. By trusting in God completely for everything,
we will attain peace. The requests here don't refer to
things like I want a million dollars. or I
want a sports car. or what have you, as if God were Santa Claus;
it refers to those things which are causing us anxiety.
Hope this helps,
Eric
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Mary Ann replied:
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Kevin,
When it comes to such verses in Scripture, first, pray. Ask God's
enlightenment when you read Scripture. Meditate on the words. Read them
over slowly. Open your heart to God about them. The Holy spirit will unfold
their meaning to you, and speak to your heart. Second, go to the Catechism
and look up key words in the index.
This verse is saying, among other things, to raise up our needs and desires
to God in a spirit of thanksgiving. This trusting thanks in God enables
Him to give us peace. Practice thanking God for everything good in your
life, and then praise Him for all the good and beauty you see in the
world, before you express your needs, fears and wants.
Do this regularly,
and you will see.
Mary Ann
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