How to Keep Your Mind from Wandering While Praying: Moderation in Your Thoughts (Philippians 4:5)

Finding Moderation in Our Thoughts: Key to Wandering Minds in Prayer (Philippians 4:5)

Philippians 4:1-8

1 Therefore, my brethren, dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.

2 I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.

3 And I entreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.

4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.

5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue,and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Philippians 4:1-8 is a path to peace.

It's a familiar passage for many, often quoted in times of worry. However, many times we fail to apply verse 5 to our thoughts. 

"Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand." (Philippians 4:5, KJV)

The word "moderation" here suggests a middle ground with some degree of restraint—something that is allowed but not in excess.  

We all live in a world that demands our attention. Finances, work, family, politics, and the daily grind all strive to have first place in our thoughts. It's perfectly normal and even necessary to think about these things. We need to plan, strategize, and problem-solve. However, the challenge arises when we allow these necessary thoughts to become obsessive worries.  They consume our peace and steal our joy.

This is where moderation comes in. It's about acknowledging the realities of life without allowing them to control our every thought. We need to avoid this “trap’ for our minds and spirit. The phrase "full of care" or “careful” used in the next verse (v 6) is what happens when we lose this moderation. Our thoughts become consumed with these cares or worries. We lose control and our anxieties magnify, casting a shadow over our everyday lives. Sometimes they even hinder us from being able to “shut the door” while we are in our prayer closet. The outside world just tends to keep creeping in through our thoughts because they are “full of care”. 

This is not the prayer life God intends for us. He knows our needs, and He promises to provide. He also calls us to trust Him, to not be “full of care” (careful); to find our peace in Him.

So, how do we achieve this moderation in our thoughts?

Paul offers a clear path in the verses that follow:

• Prayer and Supplication (Philippians 4:6): Bring your requests to God with thanksgiving. Acknowledge your dependence on Him and give your cares into His capable hands.

• The Peace of God (Philippians 4:7): As we pray, God promises a peace which passeth all understanding, a peace that guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

• Focus on the Good (Philippians 4:8): Fill your mind with thoughts that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report. Dwell on the positive, on the things that uplift and keep God at the forefront.

This is where the Holy Spirit comes in. We are to be filled with the Holy Spirit and consciously allow Him to guide our thoughts. We are not to be led by our emotions and everyday happenings but by the Spirit of God.

Practical Application

• Recognize the difference between necessary thought and worry. Schedule time for planning and problem-solving, but don't let those thoughts dominate your entire day.

• Practice mindfulness. When you feel your mind spiraling into worry, take a deep breath and bring your focus back to the present.

• Engage in prayer and meditation. Pray and think about Scripture.  Talk to God to and tell Him of those things that are consuming your thoughts. Then trust Him to care for those things. 

• When negative thoughts do arise, consciously replace them with Scripture or memories of God's faithfulness and answers to past prayers.

• Remember the Lord is at hand. Shut the door of your prayer closet. You are not alone. God is present in your struggles.

Keep your thoughts in moderation. We can break free from the grip of anxiety and experience the peace that surpasses all understanding by faithfully surrendering our worries to God and allowing His Spirit to fill our mind with peace.  By this, we can “shut the door” to our prayer closet and spend a sweet time of fellowship with Our Heavenly Father.