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Peace Within

Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

We think that the answers to prayer can only be yes or no.  I've even heard an interpretation of God's answers to prayer as  "yes" and "wait a while".  That doesn't seem quite right to me either.  As I read this verse, it makes me think that the answer to prayer is completely irrelevant.  Paul says "present your requests to God" and then his very next statement is, "And the peace of God…will guard your hearts and minds".  Paul says nothing about the answer to the prayer, not 'And He will give you all of your requests' or 'pray harder and God will do as you ask'.  No.  Paul's statement is simply paraphrased, talk to God about what you desire and He will give you peace in Christ Jesus.  Don't pray to get an answer.  Pray to receive peace within.

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