Wildflowers: Week Two | Euodia & Syntyche the ThistlesSample

Prayer and Supplication

The thistle reaches between thirty-one to seventy-nine inches in height making it one of the tallest wildflowers. They thrive in prairies, pastures, and old fields. One thing you may not know about the thistle is that it is also a member of the sunflower family. One of the most distinguishing features of a sunflower is that the bloom always follows the sun. In the morning they face east and by sundown they turn west. 

Many who suffer from anxiety will tell you one of the keys to overcoming the affliction is to focus on God instead of yourself. Once you take your eyes off of the Son, the anxiety multiplies and has a field day with your emotions. Just like the sunflower, thistles must fixate on the light source in order to keep the darkness at bay. And because of their great height they stand above most other plants in the field giving them a great advantage to view each sunrise and sunset.

For Euodia and Syntyche to overcome their anxious minds, they needed to refocus on the Savior. The best way to do that is by prayer and supplication, accompanied by thanksgiving. Prayer focuses on personal problems, supplication turns toward others, and thanksgiving directs our attention to God. As these women shifted from inward to outward prayers, they would surely find sympathy and sincere love toward each other. It's hard to be angry at someone for whom you're praying. Sprinkling their thoughts with thanksgiving to God would be like a fresh morning rain inviting new growth.

Read the verse below and answer the following questions:

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God" (Philippians 4:6).

Practical Observation

1. What is the first phrase in verse 6 that Paul wrote to the Philippians?

Anxious comes from a word that means to be pulled in two different directions. It's like being the Thanksgiving wishbone and you get the short end of the stick. The Bible says that we can experience anxiety in our heart, mind, and thoughts.

2. What were the Philippians to be practicing instead?

Supplication in Hebrew is a cry for mercy. In Greek it describes a strong petition or request made earnestly to God. Our prayers should not be impassioned. Instead we must offer them from a deep desire full of emotion. Pray to God with your whole heart, because God sees the heart.

3. In what situations were they to practice prayer?

4. What attitude should accompany our prayers? 

5. How did Paul describe prayer and to whom are they made?

Personal Application

a. What makes you anxious? Journal about how you deal with your anxiety.

b. Describe how an attitude of gratitude could be a solution to anxiety. How can you practice this more in your life?

c. Do you talk to God before you talk to others about your problems? Journal about how you can pray first and talk later.