July 16, 2025
“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.” – Philippians 4:6-7
I need to listen to my own prayers for others. I often find that, what God lays on my heart to pray for other people is often the exact same prayer I need. This became clear to me this morning as I was completely overwhelmed with my schedule. About a week ago I did a funeral, this weekend I have two weddings, on Tuesday of next week I have another funeral, shortly after that my wife and I leave for an anniversary trip, and then a couple weeks after we return, I will be doing another wedding. During this time, I have been meeting with people who are excited, stressed, scared, or grieving…sometimes all at the same time! Over and over again I have prayed with them, “God please grant them your peace that passes all understanding. Give them peace, not because the situation is easy, but because you are the God who rises above the situation.”
And yet, even though I have prayed that for other people countless times over the past month, I have failed to pray that for myself. Through counseling, planning, excitement, and grieving, I have taken so much of the weight on my own shoulders and failed to present my requests to God. When I do that, I miss out on the peace that passes understanding. You may be in the midst of a situation you can’t change, and the pressure may seem overwhelming. Learn from my mistakes and present your problems, stresses, fears, and anxiety to God. Let him carry those burdens and gift you with his peace.
Heavenly Father, this world is too much for me. My ministry is too much for me. The weight of my responsibilities is too much for me. I thank You for the incredible gift of the people you have put in my life. Be strong where I am weak. Carry the weight that I cannot bear. Bless me with Your peace. Amen.
In Christ’s Service,
Pastor Shane Cannon