Philippians 4:6-7 (New Living Translation) Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 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. Today’s reading comes from the last chapter of Paul’s letter to the Christians at Phillipi.  It is likely that Paul composed this letter while he was imprisoned in Rome.  The Phillipians had a special place in Paul’s heart because he had first brought them the gospel about ten years previously and Paul describes the Christian Philippians as his partners in spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ.  Epaphroditus, a leader in the Christian church in Philippi came to Rome to visit Paul in prison and brought him presents from the Church.  The previous chapters convey the love Paul had for these people and he encourages them to grow their love for one another and to grow their knowledge and understanding of the love that Jesus has for each and every one of them. The theme throughout this Epistle is Joy. Joy in all circumstances, even suffering - Philippians 1. Joy in serving - Philippians 2. Joy in faith - Philippians 3. Joy in giving - Philippians 4. Our portion of Scripture today reveals the final words of encouragement and assurance that Paul leaves with them.  He tells them not to worry about anything but to pray about everything.  He suggests they tell God what they need and thank God for all He has done for them.  Paul explains that by doing these things and holding to Christ’s love, they will experience God’s peace, a peace that is beyond our understanding that will guard our heart and mind.  Peace among men tends to be a temporary state of affairs while the peace of God lasts forever. Prayer Our Lord and our God, we thank you for all the good things in our lives, for all the good things in this life are given by You.  We thank You for the challenges You set before us.  Remind us to come to You and pray for assistance when we need it and to give thanks to you every day of our lives.  We pray that one day we will be able to experience the eternal peace Paul described to the people of Philippi all those years ago. Amen.