In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.
His affection for them burned hot: they were his beloved, his longing, his joy, his crown. He calls them brethren though he was an apostle, because all renewed by one Spirit are brothers. Warm affection must go with brotherly relation. He had no joy greater than hearing of their spiritual health. This is how tenderness works: it makes exhortation cut deeper and carry farther.
AI summary
Commenting on Philippians 4:1-9
Care and prayer oppose each other like fire and water. Prayer suits each case; supplication entreats to avert ills. Thanksgiving must crown both, for every event, prosperity and affliction alike. Thanksgiving gives prayer its power and frees you from anxious carefulness by making all God's dealings matter for praise. Peace follows thanksgiving as naturally as day follows sunrise.
AI summary
Do not be anxiously solicitous for anything. Instead, with sure confidence give God thanks and desire from Him what you need, so that with a quiet conscience you wholly submit yourself to Him. This is how the godly have always prayed: David began with tears but ended with thanksgiving.
AI summary