Philippians 4:6
Verse
Context
Rejoice in the Lord
5Let your gentleness be apparent to all. The Lord is near.6Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.7And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Be careful for nothing - Μηδεν μεριμνατε· Be not anxiously solicitous; do not give place to carking care, let what will occur; for anxiety cannot chance the state or condition of any thing from bad to good, but will infallibly injure your own souls. By prayer and supplication - God alone can help you; he is disposed to do it, but you must ask by prayer and supplication; without this he has not promised to help you. By prayer - solemn application to God from a sense of want. Supplication - continuance in earnest prayer. With thanksgiving, for innumerable favors already received; and for dangers, evils, and deaths turned aside. And let your souls be found in this exercise, or in the disposition in which this exercise can be performed, at all times, on all occasions, and in all places.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Translate, "Be anxious about nothing." Care and prayer are as mutually opposed as fire and water [BENGEL]. by prayer and supplication--Greek, "by the prayer and the supplication" appropriate to each case [ALFORD]. Prayer for blessings; and the general term. Supplication, to avert ills; a special term, suppliant entreaty (see on Eph 6:18). thanksgiving--for every event, prosperity and affliction alike (Th1 5:18; Jam 5:13). The Philippians might remember Paul's example at Philippi when in the innermost prison (Act 16:25). Thanksgiving gives effect to prayer (Ch2 20:21), and frees from anxious carefulness by making all God's dealings matter for praise, not merely for resignation, much less murmuring. "Peace" is the companion of "thanksgiving" (Phi 4:7; Col 3:15). let your requests be made known unto God--with generous, filial, unreserved confidence; not keeping aught back, as too great, or else too small, to bring before God, though you might feel so as to your fellow men. So Jacob, when fearing Esau (Gen 32:9-12); Hezekiah fearing Sennacherib (Kg2 19:14; Psa 37:5).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Be careful for nothing,.... This must be understood not in the most extensive sense, but with a limitation and restriction. There are many things that saints are to be careful for, as men and Christians; they are to be careful of their bodies, as well as of their souls; of the health of them, which is to be preserved by all lawful means, and not exposed to unnecessary danger; and for their families, to provide things honest for them, proper food and raiment, and the necessaries of life; for whoever does not do that, denies the faith, and is worse than an infidel; and even for the things of this world in a moderate way, using all diligence and industry in obtaining them; men ought to be careful to discharge the duties of their calling in civil life, and to care and concern themselves for the honour of God, the interest of religion, and the support of the Gospel; and that they offend not God, by sinning against him: but the carefulness the apostle speaks of, is an anxious solicitude for worldly things, an immoderate concern for the things of life, arising from diffidence, or negligence, of the power, providence, and faithfulness of God: saints should not be anxiously, or in a distressing manner concerned for the things of this world, but be content, whether they have less or more; nor be over much pressed with what befalls them, but should cast their care upon the Lord, and carry every case to him, and leave it there: but in everything. The Syriac and Ethiopic versions render it, "in every time": always, constantly, every day, as often as there is opportunity, and need requires. The Vulgate Latin and Arabic versions join it with the following clause, "in every prayer and supplication"; but the grammatical construction of the words will not admit of such a version; it is best to understand it of every thing, or case, which should be brought to God; whether it be of a temporal or spiritual kind, relating to body or soul, to ourselves or others, to our families, relations, and acquaintance, the church, or the world: by prayer and supplication: which may include all sorts of prayer, mental or vocal, private or public, ordinary or extraordinary, and every part of prayer: prayer may design petition, or asking for good things that are wanted; and "supplication", a deprecating of evils that are feared; though these two are often used together for the same thing, for prayer in general: which ought always to be accompanied with thanksgiving; for mercies received; for a man can never come to the throne of grace, to ask for grace and mercy, but he has mercies to bless God for, and so to do is very acceptable to God; nor can a person expect to succeed in the enjoyment of future mercies, when he is not thankful for past and present ones: in this manner therefore, at all times, upon every occasion, in a way of humble petition and supplication, joined with thankfulness for all favours, let your requests be made known to God; not to men; fly not to an arm of flesh, but to God, to him only, and that in the most private mariner, as not to be known by men; and put up such requests, as there may be reason to hope and believe God will "know" and approve of; such as are agreeable to his will, to the covenant of his grace, and the declaration of his word: use familiarity with God, tell him as you would do a friend, freely and fully, all your case, pour out your souls and your complaints before him. This God would have his people do, and he expects it from them; and though he knows all their wants, and what are their desires before they express them, yet he will seem not to know them, or take any notice of them, until they open them to him in some way or other; either by vocal prayer, or mental; by ejaculations, or sighs and groans, by chattering as a crane or a swallow, all which he understands: and be the case made known in what way or manner soever, with ever so much weakness, so be it, it is made known, it is enough, it shall be regarded and not despised.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:6 Believers need not worry about anything because the heavenly Father loves his children and cares about their needs, and he has invited his children to pray about everything (see Matt 6:25-34; 7:9-11; Rom 12:12; Eph 6:18; 1 Thes 5:17; 1 Pet 5:7).
Philippians 4:6
Rejoice in the Lord
5Let your gentleness be apparent to all. The Lord is near.6Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.7And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Power in Prayer
By Corrie Ten Boom20K44:55Prayer LifePHP 4:6In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about his experience with the Smedistrat, a street filled with liquor stores and drunken people. He talks about how he decided to do something about it and prayed for the whole street. The speaker then shares an encounter he had on a TV show in Holland, where he was interviewed alongside various unrelated topics. Despite the distractions, he emphasizes the importance of remembering the purpose of his travels and the power of prayer. The speaker concludes by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to speak and promises to focus on the topic of prayer in his upcoming sermons.
Anxiety
By Charles Stanley14K04:46AnxietyPHP 4:6In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of turning to God in times of worry and anxiety. He encourages listeners to read and meditate on Scripture, seeking God's guidance and understanding. The speaker highlights the need to trust in God's unconditional love and to bring our burdens and anxieties before Him. He reminds us that when we focus on God's promises, offer thanksgiving and praise, and trust in Him, our faith grows and we can find peace and rest in Him.
In Everything by Prayer
By A.W. Tozer13K35:54PrayerMAT 28:19PHP 4:6In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of prayer in everything we do in God's Church. He shares a personal anecdote about listening to an interview where the interviewee emphasized the significance of social prestige and networking. However, the preacher disagrees with this worldly perspective and asserts that prayer should be the foundation of all our actions. He references the fourth chapter of Philippians, specifically verse six, which encourages believers to be careful for nothing and to instead bring their concerns to God through prayer. The preacher also mentions the apostle Peter, who preached a powerful sermon that converted three thousand people, despite not having strong Greek language skills.
Interview of Leonard Ravenhill by David Mainse
By Leonard Ravenhill6.0K12:07RevivalInterviewPrayer in MinistryMAT 21:13LUK 18:1ACT 6:4ROM 12:12EPH 6:18PHP 4:6COL 4:21TH 5:171TI 2:1JAS 5:16Leonard Ravenhill, in an interview with David Mainse, emphasizes the critical need for prayer in ministry, arguing that a lack of prayer life among preachers leads to a spiritually stagnant church. He reflects on the early church's commitment to prayer and contrasts it with the modern church's focus on organization and performance. Ravenhill calls for a revival of genuine prayer and intercession, suggesting that the church must return to its roots of seeking God earnestly. He also highlights the importance of preachers dedicating time to prepare spiritually, not just intellectually, for their messages. Ultimately, Ravenhill urges ministers to prioritize their prayer life to foster a vibrant and impactful church.
Solitary Confinement
By Richard Wurmbrand5.1K00:00The Power of PrayerFaith in IsolationPHP 4:6Richard Wurmbrand shares his profound experiences during solitary confinement, where he found solace in meditating on Scripture and envisioning biblical scenes. Despite the harsh conditions and the effects of narcotics on his mind, he engaged in fervent prayer for the world and delivered sermons to God and the angels. His longing for his family and moments of despair highlighted the deep emotional struggles faced in isolation, yet his love for Jesus remained a constant prayer. Wurmbrand emphasizes the power of faith and the importance of prayer, even in the most desperate circumstances.
Casting All Your Care Upon Him
By Hans R. Waldvogel5.1K17:57Trusting GodOvercoming AnxietyCaresMAT 6:33PHP 4:61PE 5:7Hans R. Waldvogel emphasizes the importance of casting all our cares upon Jesus, who cares deeply for us, even to the extent of knowing the number of hairs on our heads. He illustrates that just as our earthly parents cared for us, God desires to take care of every aspect of our lives, and we dishonor Him when we fail to trust Him fully. Waldvogel encourages believers to seek God's kingdom first, allowing Him to reign in our hearts and lives, which leads to peace and the fulfillment of His promises. He shares personal experiences of overcoming anxiety and learning to trust God, highlighting that true faith is demonstrated through unwavering confidence in God's provision. Ultimately, he calls for a commitment to let God be the master of our lives, ensuring that we do not interfere with His work in us.
(Mount Vernon) Daniel
By Keith Daniel4.5K56:34DanielDAN 3:16DAN 12:3MAT 5:16PHP 4:61TI 4:12HEB 13:5JAS 1:2In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living a wise and righteous life. He uses the example of a man who behaved wisely because of God's presence with him. The speaker challenges the audience to examine their own lives and ask if they have turned many to righteousness and if their lives have shaken others for God. He also highlights the qualities that made this man's life impactful, such as integrity, transparency, humility, and faithfulness. The speaker encourages the audience to live according to the New Testament standard, being careful for nothing and bringing every thought into obedience to God.
Other God's Dominion Over Us
By Leonard Ravenhill4.4K1:14:27IdolatryPSA 16:11MAL 3:6MAT 6:33PHP 4:6PHP 4:19HEB 13:8JAS 1:2In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of water as a symbol of blessing and joy. He refers to the pouring of water from a golden vase during a religious ceremony and highlights Jesus' presence on the last day of this ritual. The preacher also mentions the significance of the temple, which could hold thousands of people, and compares it to modern-day gatherings like sports events. He shares a story about a man questioning the presence of God in the midst of tragedy, and the pastor's response emphasizes that God is always present, even in times of suffering. The sermon concludes by emphasizing that the joy and blessings God offers are permanent and can be found through a personal relationship with Him.
How to Avoid a Nervous Breakdown
By A.W. Tozer4.1K35:57Nervous BreakdownPHP 4:6In this sermon, the speaker addresses the increasing number of mental and nervous breaks that people, including missionaries, are experiencing. He emphasizes that this is not limited to missionaries and ministers, but is affecting all of God's people. The speaker encourages listeners to rely on God in times of trouble, as He is the one who can turn their troubles into glory. He shares a story about a Methodist pastor who faced a challenging situation but found peace by trusting in God's provision. The sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking peace of heart by calling on God, rather than denying the existence of trouble.
Confidence - Will We Trust Him
By David Platt4.0K56:47MAT 7:7PHP 4:6This sermon focuses on the power and importance of prayer, emphasizing that prayer is more than just asking for things from God. It delves into the depth of prayer, highlighting the primary purpose of expressing our need for God, exploring intimacy with Him, and experiencing His power. The sermon also touches on the Lord's Prayer, emphasizing the need to align our desires with God's will before making our requests. The story in Luke chapter 11 about a man seeking bread at midnight is used to illustrate the boldness, shamelessness, and persistence we should have in prayer, trusting in God's ability, approachability, and activity in our lives.
Total Surrender
By Corrie Ten Boom3.9K26:57Surrender2CH 16:9MAT 6:33ROM 12:11CO 6:20PHP 4:61PE 5:7In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of surrendering our hearts fully to God. They use the analogy of a cup to illustrate that when we are not fully surrendered, nothing can come in or go out. The speaker reminds the audience that they have been bought with a high price, the precious blood of Jesus, and challenges them to consider if they have given God their money's worth. They also highlight the need for the Holy Spirit to flow through us like living water, but this can only happen when our hearts are fully turned towards God and not the world.
"Praying Payson of Portland"
By Leonard Ravenhill3.8K00:59EPH 6:18PHP 4:6COL 4:21TH 5:17JAS 5:16This sermon reflects on the powerful legacy of a praying patient in Portland who dedicated himself to fervent prayer, leaving physical marks on his knees as a testament to his commitment. It emphasizes the importance of persistent prayer and intercession, highlighting the impact of a life devoted to seeking God.
Is Your Affection on Things
By Leonard Ravenhill2.6K1:04:54AffectionsACT 20:22ROM 8:28PHP 3:13PHP 4:6PHP 4:8COL 3:2In this sermon, the preacher expresses deep sorrow and confusion over the recent suicides of four young people. He questions why these tragedies occurred and wonders if their upbringing or external influences played a role. The preacher reflects on his shaken faith in human systems but maintains his faith in God. He emphasizes the importance of seeking heavenly things rather than earthly possessions and shares a story of a young preacher who faced financial difficulties but found consolation in trusting that God sees the end from the beginning.
Perfect Peace
By Chuck Smith2.2K35:41PeaceISA 26:3PHP 4:6In this sermon, Skip leads a study on Isaiah chapters 26 through 28. He emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the study of the eternal Word of God over temporary distractions like fireworks. Skip highlights instances in the Bible where Jesus tells his disciples to be of good cheer and not be afraid, assuring them of his presence and power. He also shares the story of Jesus calming the storm on the Sea of Galilee, illustrating how God can bring peace in the midst of chaos. Skip encourages listeners to fix their minds on God's greatness, love, power, mercy, and grace, reminding them that they have access to heaven's resources and can overcome any obstacle through God.
Studies in the Gospel of John 02 - Peter's Denial
By Alden Gannett2.0K50:01DenialPHP 4:6In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of watching, waiting, and looking for the second coming of Jesus Christ. He encourages believers to trust God for every problem, need, temptation, and opportunity of witness until Christ returns. The speaker also mentions the faith of the Israelites in the Old Testament and how they believed in God through difficult times. He concludes by referencing Philippians 4:6-7, where the peace of God is promised to those who are anxious for nothing and trust in Him.
(Texas 2009) the Holy Spirit Brings Heaven Into Us
By Zac Poonen1.9K1:00:13Holy SpiritMAT 3:3MAT 7:14MAT 13:25ROM 6:14EPH 4:31PHP 4:4PHP 4:6In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the state of Christendom today and how the enemy has influenced it. He emphasizes the importance of repentance, which he believes is missing in Christian preaching today. The speaker also discusses the ministry of John the Baptist and how he prepared people for the coming of Christ through repentance. He highlights the need for preparation in our hearts for the coming of Christ and the significance of teaching the principles of the heavenly life to our children.
Powerful Praying
By Lou Sutera1.7K1:10:26PSA 34:17ISA 65:24MAT 7:7MAT 18:18MRK 10:47PHP 4:6JAS 5:16This sermon emphasizes the importance of powerful and specific praying, highlighting the need for fervent, believing, and focused prayers. It shares anecdotes of answered prayers, the impact of specific requests, and the transformation that occurs when prayers are directed towards real needs and real people. The message calls for repentance from unbelief, lack of fervency, and general prayers, urging a shift towards specific, faith-filled prayers that honor God and bring glory to Him.
Prayer Is Asking
By Wesley Duewel1.6K17:03MAT 7:7LUK 18:1PHP 4:6JAS 5:16This sermon emphasizes the importance of prayer and the different levels of prayer, starting with the simple act of asking God for blessings. It shares a personal story of a miraculous healing through prayer, highlighting the power of childlike faith in asking Jesus for help. The sermon also delves into the concept of persistent prayer, using the example of George Miller's unwavering faith and dedication in praying for the salvation of his friends, even when it took years to see the answers.
A Concern for God's Name
By Zac Poonen1.5K49:24ReverenceMAT 5:32CO 2:14PHP 4:4PHP 4:6In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the challenging nature of the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5, 6, and 7. He acknowledges that these chapters do not provide explicit instructions on how to attain the qualities mentioned, such as being poor in spirit or pure in heart. The speaker highlights the importance of looking upward to God, inward to examine oneself, and outward to serve others. He also discusses the significance of thirst and the need for the Holy Spirit in one's life.
What's on Your Mind
By Jim Cymbala1.5K39:03PeacePHP 4:6In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of keeping a peaceful mind. He acknowledges that it is impossible to have nothing on our minds and that Satan will try to infiltrate our thoughts. However, he encourages the audience to call on the Lord for help and protection against the enemy's strategies. By focusing on thoughts that are praiseworthy, pure, and good, the preacher believes that our peace and joy will increase. He concludes by offering to pray with the audience for a transformation in their thought patterns based on the truth found in God's word.
Prevailing Prayer
By David Ford1.5K1:05:02Prevailing PrayerEXO 25:142CH 7:14PSA 66:18MAT 6:33ACT 1:14ACT 4:31PHP 4:6In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of obeying God's commands and doing so in the power of the Holy Spirit. He warns against allowing sin to creep into one's life and diminish the fervor of one's faith. The speaker shares the story of George Whitefield, a preacher who waited for the hand of God to come upon him before speaking, resulting in powerful sermons that moved thousands. He encourages listeners to approach God with humility, praying and judging themselves, and shares personal experiences of God's presence and revival.
Their Strength Is to Sit Still
By Hans R. Waldvogel1.5K27:11Waiting On GodPSA 37:7PSA 46:10PSA 62:1ISA 30:15MAT 6:25PHP 4:6HEB 4:10In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of relying on God's guidance and power in our lives. He highlights that God orchestrates every joy and trial we experience and wants us to trust Him fully. The speaker warns against trying to accomplish things in our own strength, as it leads to dissipation of power and ineffective results. Instead, he encourages us to wait upon the Lord and seek His direction, knowing that without Him, we can do nothing.
How to Organize an Underground Church - Part 4
By Richard Wurmbrand1.4K25:08Underground ChurchFaith in AdversityThe Underground ChurchMAT 28:20PHP 4:6HEB 11:1Richard Wurmbrand emphasizes the unwavering faith in Jesus, regardless of circumstances, asserting that even if Jesus were dead, He remains a savior. He discusses the importance of certainty in faith, likening it to mathematical truths that remain unchanged regardless of personal trials. Wurmbrand shares his experiences in solitary confinement, highlighting the necessity of spiritual exercises and the power of prayer, even in the darkest times. He encourages believers to remember past blessings and to maintain a joyful spirit, even amidst persecution. The underground church, he explains, has existed since biblical times, and believers must continue their mission despite oppressive authorities.
Quote - Prayer, Praise, Worship
By Leonard Ravenhill1.4K00:11PraiseRavenhill QuoteWorshipPrayerPSA 95:6PSA 100:4PSA 103:2MAT 6:33JHN 4:24ROM 12:1PHP 4:6COL 3:161TH 5:16HEB 13:15Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the distinctions between prayer, praise, and worship, noting that prayer often focuses on our needs, praise centers on our blessings, and true worship is a deep preoccupation with God Himself. He encourages believers to move beyond mere requests and gratitude to a profound engagement with the divine presence, highlighting the importance of prioritizing God in our spiritual lives.
(Pdf Book) Fullness of God
By Bakht Singh1.4K00:00EbooksGod's FullnessSpiritual GrowthGEN 1:28PSA 16:11JER 31:3JHN 10:10ROM 8:11EPH 3:16EPH 3:19PHP 4:6COL 2:9HEB 12:10Bakht Singh emphasizes that God's ultimate purpose in saving humanity is to fill us with His fullness, as stated in Ephesians 3:19. He explains that despite our sinful nature, through the sacrifice of Jesus, we can be transformed and experience God's abundant life, joy, and peace. Singh illustrates that just as Adam was given everything in the Garden of Eden, we too are offered fullness in Christ, but we must actively seek and obey God's will to experience it. He encourages believers to rely on God's grace and power to overcome life's challenges and to grow spiritually through trials, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of God's love and purpose. The sermon concludes with a call to embrace our identity as God's children and to live in the fullness He desires for us.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Be careful for nothing - Μηδεν μεριμνατε· Be not anxiously solicitous; do not give place to carking care, let what will occur; for anxiety cannot chance the state or condition of any thing from bad to good, but will infallibly injure your own souls. By prayer and supplication - God alone can help you; he is disposed to do it, but you must ask by prayer and supplication; without this he has not promised to help you. By prayer - solemn application to God from a sense of want. Supplication - continuance in earnest prayer. With thanksgiving, for innumerable favors already received; and for dangers, evils, and deaths turned aside. And let your souls be found in this exercise, or in the disposition in which this exercise can be performed, at all times, on all occasions, and in all places.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Translate, "Be anxious about nothing." Care and prayer are as mutually opposed as fire and water [BENGEL]. by prayer and supplication--Greek, "by the prayer and the supplication" appropriate to each case [ALFORD]. Prayer for blessings; and the general term. Supplication, to avert ills; a special term, suppliant entreaty (see on Eph 6:18). thanksgiving--for every event, prosperity and affliction alike (Th1 5:18; Jam 5:13). The Philippians might remember Paul's example at Philippi when in the innermost prison (Act 16:25). Thanksgiving gives effect to prayer (Ch2 20:21), and frees from anxious carefulness by making all God's dealings matter for praise, not merely for resignation, much less murmuring. "Peace" is the companion of "thanksgiving" (Phi 4:7; Col 3:15). let your requests be made known unto God--with generous, filial, unreserved confidence; not keeping aught back, as too great, or else too small, to bring before God, though you might feel so as to your fellow men. So Jacob, when fearing Esau (Gen 32:9-12); Hezekiah fearing Sennacherib (Kg2 19:14; Psa 37:5).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Be careful for nothing,.... This must be understood not in the most extensive sense, but with a limitation and restriction. There are many things that saints are to be careful for, as men and Christians; they are to be careful of their bodies, as well as of their souls; of the health of them, which is to be preserved by all lawful means, and not exposed to unnecessary danger; and for their families, to provide things honest for them, proper food and raiment, and the necessaries of life; for whoever does not do that, denies the faith, and is worse than an infidel; and even for the things of this world in a moderate way, using all diligence and industry in obtaining them; men ought to be careful to discharge the duties of their calling in civil life, and to care and concern themselves for the honour of God, the interest of religion, and the support of the Gospel; and that they offend not God, by sinning against him: but the carefulness the apostle speaks of, is an anxious solicitude for worldly things, an immoderate concern for the things of life, arising from diffidence, or negligence, of the power, providence, and faithfulness of God: saints should not be anxiously, or in a distressing manner concerned for the things of this world, but be content, whether they have less or more; nor be over much pressed with what befalls them, but should cast their care upon the Lord, and carry every case to him, and leave it there: but in everything. The Syriac and Ethiopic versions render it, "in every time": always, constantly, every day, as often as there is opportunity, and need requires. The Vulgate Latin and Arabic versions join it with the following clause, "in every prayer and supplication"; but the grammatical construction of the words will not admit of such a version; it is best to understand it of every thing, or case, which should be brought to God; whether it be of a temporal or spiritual kind, relating to body or soul, to ourselves or others, to our families, relations, and acquaintance, the church, or the world: by prayer and supplication: which may include all sorts of prayer, mental or vocal, private or public, ordinary or extraordinary, and every part of prayer: prayer may design petition, or asking for good things that are wanted; and "supplication", a deprecating of evils that are feared; though these two are often used together for the same thing, for prayer in general: which ought always to be accompanied with thanksgiving; for mercies received; for a man can never come to the throne of grace, to ask for grace and mercy, but he has mercies to bless God for, and so to do is very acceptable to God; nor can a person expect to succeed in the enjoyment of future mercies, when he is not thankful for past and present ones: in this manner therefore, at all times, upon every occasion, in a way of humble petition and supplication, joined with thankfulness for all favours, let your requests be made known to God; not to men; fly not to an arm of flesh, but to God, to him only, and that in the most private mariner, as not to be known by men; and put up such requests, as there may be reason to hope and believe God will "know" and approve of; such as are agreeable to his will, to the covenant of his grace, and the declaration of his word: use familiarity with God, tell him as you would do a friend, freely and fully, all your case, pour out your souls and your complaints before him. This God would have his people do, and he expects it from them; and though he knows all their wants, and what are their desires before they express them, yet he will seem not to know them, or take any notice of them, until they open them to him in some way or other; either by vocal prayer, or mental; by ejaculations, or sighs and groans, by chattering as a crane or a swallow, all which he understands: and be the case made known in what way or manner soever, with ever so much weakness, so be it, it is made known, it is enough, it shall be regarded and not despised.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:6 Believers need not worry about anything because the heavenly Father loves his children and cares about their needs, and he has invited his children to pray about everything (see Matt 6:25-34; 7:9-11; Rom 12:12; Eph 6:18; 1 Thes 5:17; 1 Pet 5:7).