Prayer: New Pathways to Peace and Change

Prayer: New Pathways to Peace and Change
Pastor Steve Anderson | 10.18.23

Philippians 4:6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Don’t worry/care/be anxious/be concerned about anything/be anxious for NOTHING (in an absolute sense); instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then/and you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds/transcends/is superior to anything we can understand. His peace will stand guard/keep watch/confine your hearts (the seat of the desires, feelings, affections, passions, emotions) and (the thoughts/purposes of) your minds as you live/rest in/remain in Christ/anointed/redeeming Jesus.

We are created as Integrated/linked together beings ……Body —> Soul —-> Spirit

Neural Pathways are made by connections between neurons (nerve cells). 

Neuroplasticity is the ability of the nervous system to change its activity in response to situations by reorganizing its structure, functions, or connections 

Romans 12:22 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.

(NIV) Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. 

Create NEW neural pathways in your brain through responding in prayer.

> Don’t Worry: Worry  is a normal reaction, but how you RESPOND to it is a life-changing choice

> Respond: PRAY…..about EVERYTHING 

1 John 5:15  …. since we know He hears us when we make our requests, we also know that He will give us what we ask for.

Praying about everything will result in greater intimacy with God…..greater trust in God’s presence and provision..

> Pray about everyone 

1 Timothy 2:1 I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. 2 Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. 3 This is good and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. 5 For there is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. 6 He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone.

> Tell God what you need. TALK to him about it!  

> Thank him for everything he’s done.

THAT kind of prayer

–  Is achieved through repetition, discipline, and consistency

• Develops intimacy
• Changes your neural pathway
• Results in incomprehensible peace

Philippians 4:8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. 9 Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.

NOTES

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