Philippians 4:6
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
King James Version
World English Bible (WEB)
In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.
American Standard Version (ASV)
In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
What this verse means
The antidote to anxiety is a specific practice: pray about everything, with thanksgiving.
A closer look at Philippians 4:6
Philippians 4:6 comes after Paul has asked Euodia and Syntyche to repair a strained relationship and before his promise about the peace of God. Be careful for nothing in the KJV means do not be ruled by anxiety, not never notice a genuine danger. Paul gives anxiety a route: every situation can be brought through prayer, specific supplication, and thanksgiving. The instruction is active, not dismissive; it names what to do with a worried mind.
Thanksgiving does not require pretending that the request is small or that the outcome is certain. It places the request inside a remembered history of God’s care. The next verse says peace will guard hearts and minds, but it does not say the circumstances will instantly change or that a person will never feel anxious again. Used honestly, this verse is a repeatable practice: name the fear, ask for the concrete help you need, remember one grace, and return when the fear returns.
A short prayer
Lord, instead of worrying, I bring You this situation with thanks. Guard my heart and mind.
Read in context — Philippians 4
4Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
5Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
6Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
8Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Related verses
“Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.”Proverbs 16:3
“A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps.”Proverbs 16:9
“The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.”Proverbs 18:10
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.”Proverbs 3:5
“Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.”Proverbs 30:5
Maintained by Get Random Bible Verse · Pool record last updated: