Day 3: Pray About What Makes You Anxious

“Do not be anxious about anything, 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 your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV)

This passage is one of the most quoted verses in the Bible when it comes to anxiety and for good reason. It’s not just a comforting thought; it’s a blueprint for peace.

Paul doesn’t say, “Try not to be anxious.” He says, “Do not be anxious about anything… but pray about everything.”

Prayer is not passive. It’s an active way to offload your fears onto God.

Our anxieties and fears should prompt us to pray. If you are anxious about something, put it on your prayer list. When we pray about these things, we are promised peace.

But, if we’re honest, sometimes we’ve prayed and still felt anxious. Why is that?

Because this promise has a second ingredient: thanksgiving.

Paul says peace comes when we pray with thanksgiving. It’s not just about asking God to fix what’s wrong, it’s about remembering what’s right. It’s about seeing the bigger picture of God’s goodness, even when life feels uncertain.

Giving thanks helps us actively remember God’s faithfulness in the past. This brings peace for the present.

And science is finally catching up to what Scripture has always said: Gratitude rewires the brain and reduces anxiety.

In fact, studies have shown that gratitude lowers the stress hormone cortisol. One study concluded, “Gratitude and anxiety cannot exist in the brain at the same time.” The Little Book of Gratitude

When you stop to thank God, not only do you change your physiology by lowering your stress hormone, but you also shift your mental and spiritual posture. Instead of meditating on your problems, you’re remembering His faithfulness.

The power of gratitude is truly amazing and changes us physically, spiritually and emotionally.

Throughout the Old Testament, God’s people built physical memorials to remind them of what He had done. Gratitude is our daily way of building those memorials in our minds and hearts.

Reflection Questions

• What’s one thing you’re anxious about today? Take a moment to pray about it now—be honest, specific, and open with God.
• Write down 3 things you’re thankful for. Keep a daily gratitude list this week.