In Philippians 4:6-7, Paul writes: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Sometimes we think that God only wants to hear about the BIG things we’re dealing with—things like life-altering decisions, the strength to battle an illness, the big risks of faith, and the emergencies. It’s as if we think God doesn’t want to be bothered by the normal, everyday details of our Joe Blow lives.

But Paul says we should pray “in every situation.”

Pray to God about your midterms, about how tired you are, about your pesky co-worker, about how you feel about your body image, about your weekend, about your credit card bill, about your… well, you get the picture.

Pray for the little things.

When you pray for little things big things happen. Here’s an example that Paul specifically mentions: “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

God guards the hearts and minds of those who give him their hearts and minds.

Don’t be timid or embarrassed. The One you’re talking to made you.

Pray for the little things.

By Matthew Ruttan

–Need some prayer tips? Here’s a video of me at our monthly Q & A Forum in response to someone’s request for prayer advice.

–My latest blog is “A Discipleship Manual – a resource for Lent.” Click here to read about this suggestion for Lent based on the teachings of Jesus. You’re more likely to hear God speaking if you’re listening.

–“Unless you become like little children” is my latest sermon. Click here to watch on YouTube.

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.