In Philippians 4:6, the apostle Paul gives us an insight into how to live in these difficult times we are facing today.  "Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything by prayer and petition (definite requests) with thanksgiving continue to make your wants know to God." (AMP)

God does not want us to be intimidated when we come before Him in prayer, but to come in assurance and confidence that He does hear and answers prayer!  When we pray in confidence and assurance, faith stirs up thanksgiving in our spirit before we actually see any evidence of answered prayer.  "An expanded, inperpretiving translation of Phil. 4:6 could be rendered:  "Don't worry about anything - and that means nothing at all!  Instead, come before God and give Him the things that concern you so H can in exchange give you what you need or desire.  Be bold to strongly, passionately, and fervently make your request known to God, making certain that an equal measure of thanksgiving goes along with your strong asking.  You have every right to ask boldly, so go ahead and insist that God meed your need.  When you pray, be so bold that there is no doubt your prayer was heard.  Broadcast it!  Declare it!  Pray boldly until you have the assurance that God has heard your request!"  (Sparkling Gems From The Greek).  Don't let thanksgiving be confined to a particular season of the year, but let it resound from your heart to God in all things!

Pastor