Charles Ellicott Commentary Philippians 4:6

"In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." — Philippians 4:6 (ASV)

Be careful for nothing.—This is an exact repetition of our Lord’s command, “Take no thought” (Matthew 6:34). The prohibition is of that painful anxiety which is inevitable in all who feel themselves alone in mere self-dependence amidst the difficulties and dangers of life. It is possible to sink below this anxiety in mere levity and thoughtlessness; it is also possible to rise above it by “casting our care on Him who careth for us,” and knowing that we are simply “fellow-workers with Him” (1 Peter 5:7; 2 Corinthians 6:1). Therefore, the Apostle proceeds at once to speak of the trustfulness of prayer.

Prayer and supplication with thanksgiving.—By “prayer” is meant worship generally, so called (as in common parlance now) because in this state of imperfection prayer must be its leading element, as praise will be in the perfection of the future. (See Acts 2:42, where “the prayers” are among the essential marks of church membership.) To this general word is added the distinction of the two great elements of worship, “supplication with thanksgiving.” The very expression, however, shows that, though distinct, they are inseparable. (See Ephesians 6:18, and Note there.) Both words “prayer” and “supplication” have the article in the original, and may probably refer to the recognised worship of the Church.