Don’t Pray & Worry

Hymns

In the Garden - #487

God Will Take Care of You - #99

Sweet Hour of Prayer - #478

In the midst of life's storms, it is all too easy to become ensnared by the chains of worry.  

We fret over our circumstances, allowing anxiety to cloud our vision and steal our joy.  

But hear this profound revelation: “Pray instead of worrying. Worrying is like worshiping the problem.”  

What a striking statement!  

It pierces through the noise of our chaotic lives and beckons us to a higher place—a place where our focus shifts from the giants that loom over us to the God who stands above them all.  

Worry, my friends, is not just a fleeting thought; it is an act of misplaced worship.  

When we worry, we give power to our problems, elevating them to a status they do not deserve.  

Instead of casting our cares upon the Lord, we cling to our fears, allowing them to take root in our hearts.  

But God is calling us to a different path!  

He invites us to turn our worries into prayers, to exchange our anxiety for peace, and to seek His presence in our moments of distress.  

Worrying is a thief, robbing us of our peace, stealing our joy, and distracting us from our divine purpose.  

When we worry, we magnify our problems instead of magnifying our God!  

Now, let’s look at Philippians 4:6-7, where the Word declares,

Philippians 4:6–7 CSB

Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.  

This scripture calls us to a higher plane, my friends!  

It invites us to exchange our anxious thoughts for fervent prayers.  

Let’s take a moment to reflect on the story of Elijah on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18).  

Here was a man of God, standing boldly against the prophets of Baal.  

The people were caught in the grip of doubt, worshiping idols instead of the true and living God.  

But Elijah, oh, Elijah knew where to direct his heart!  

He called down fire from heaven; he prayed fervently!  

In the face of despair, he didn’t waver; he didn’t worry!  

He knew that worry would only lead to defeat, but prayer would lead to victory!  

And just like Elijah, we stand in the midst of our battles today.  

We face giants that threaten to consume us, but I declare, “Pray instead of worrying!”  

When the weight of the world is upon your shoulders, lift your eyes to the hills!  

For your help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth!  

In every situation, whether it be financial troubles, family strife, or health concerns, God is saying, “Bring it to Me!”  

He is waiting for you to lay your burdens down!  

Do not let worry take the throne of your heart; instead, let praise and prayer reign supreme!  

As we pray, we shift our focus from the problem to the Problem Solver.  

When we pray, we release the weight of worry and embrace the peace that surpasses all understanding!  

So, my brothers and sisters, let us make a choice today.  

Let us choose to pray instead of worrying.  

Let us worship the Creator, not the creation!  

For when we pray, we declare that our God is greater than our worries!  

My prayer for us tonight is that we may we be a people of prayer, a people of faith, trusting in the One who holds our future!  

In every moment of anxiety, let us remember: we are never alone!  

God is with us, guiding us, and providing that peace that only He can give.  

Closing Hymn

Standing on the Promises - #518