Expositor's Bible Commentary 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)

Third, believers should be prayerful instead of “anxious” (GK 3534). This verb can mean “to be concerned about” in a proper Christian sense (cf. 2:20), but here the meaning is clearly that of anxiety, fretfulness, or undue concern (cf. Matthew 6:25–34). Paul is not calling for apathy or inaction, for as we make plans in the light of our circumstances, it is our Christian privilege to do so in full trust that our Father hears our prayers for what we need. The answer to anxiety is “prayer” (GK 4666), a word that denotes the petitioner’s attitude of mind as worshipful. “Petition” denotes prayers as expressions of need. “Thanksgiving” should accompany all Christian praying, as the supplicants acknowledge that whatever God sends is for their good. It may also include remembrance of previous blessings.