Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Phil 4:6-7

When trouble strikes, who do you first think of? What is your first response? The first thought of small child in a panic situation is to call for a parent. In time it may be a mom or dad, a spouse, a sibling, or a close friend. The first response may be a call or a text to whomever that person may be. In the same way, God wants to be that first thought and the Responder to your first call for help. The scripture passage reminds us to come to the Father in prayer with all our anxieties, cares, and concerns to allow “the peace of God” to enter and guard our “hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Prayer is powerful to the child of God. The Hebrew children had a unique relationship with God through prayer and He accomplished “great and mighty things” (Jer 33:3) through their obedience. However, the blood of Jesus changed everything. The blood of Christ forgives and covers all our sins (Rom 4:7) and now through faith in His shed blood, receive the gift of God to enter the presence of a holy and righteous God. God’s ultimate gift of Christmas is Jesus Christ, in that “for by grace are ye saved through faith…it is the gift of God” (Eph 2:8). By the blood of Jesus, we are now the redeemed before the Lord. Redeemed to forever dwell in His presence. Forever sing His praise. Forever come to Him in prayer. Forever His, “justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ“ (Rom 5:1). What a gift! What an amazing God who invites us on every day, and at every occasion, and “in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” Dear friend, what is the first thought that begin your day? Who is your first call in times of stress? Who is your first responder?  Your heavenly Father awaits your call and will answer “according to His riches in glory” (Phil 4:19). My friend, prayer is our direct access to the Father. So much so that all His children have a hotline of help that we “come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need’ (Heb 4:16). He invites all to come and receive the free gift of God, the Prince of Peace. Father thank You for Your love and Your peace that overwhelms me through Christ Jesus. I thank You and give You all my prayer and praise. In the blessed Name of Jesus. Amen.