Guy Duininck: Turn A Worry into A Prayer
Paul said, "Don't worry about anything, but pray about everything."
One of the ways we can do what Paul taught that can be Very Valuable is to "catch" worrisome thoughts as soon as they pass through our minds and "transform them" from "anxious thoughts" into short prayers.
For example, if you anxiously think, "How am I going to pay that bill?" take that thought immediately and say, "Father, I thank you for wisdom for my situation; thank you for guiding my steps; thank you for showing me how to prosper in my life for my own well being and for others."
For example, if you anxiously think, "What am I going to do about my conflict with So and So when I see them at work today?" take that thought immediately and say, "Father, thank you for wisdom for this conflicted relationship, thank you for Your grace that strengthens me, and thank you the Holy Spirit will give me the right words to say at the right time."
Many times a day "anxious thoughts" cross our minds. And if we don't do anything specific with them, they often remain in our thoughts, percolate, and cause more anxiety. A much better idea is to do something Positive and God-recommended with that thought — turn it into a prayer, and the peace of God will keep your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.
