I once boarded a flight that experienced great turbulence. It happened when the news was reporting the crash of an aircraft with heavy casualties. I needed to act quickly to stop fear from taking hold of me. It was then I resorted to the wisdom of this verse of scripture – I chose to “let petitions and praises shape (my) worries into prayers.” Wonder where I did that? Right in the plane. “I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting” (1 Timothy 2:8). Prayer is everywhere business! I was not fanatical about it, I was not screaming, but I did not care if all around me watched my lips move. I followed Hannah’s example, whose lips alone moved, but the contents of her heart were between her and the Lord. I told the Lord that I was not ready to die, not the least in a plane crash. I reminded Him of His investment in my life which He had made over the years, and that it was just about time He should have dividends. I also told the Lord I did not want our plane diverted to anywhere else but to land at our destination. Finally, I asked for an end to the rain so we could land safely.

“Things will develop around you that may cause panic; but if you learn to shape them into prayers, you will be a happy soul.”

After about 40 minutes of hovering in the air, the rain stopped and the pilot made his approach and landed safely. The privilege we have as children of God is that we can turn everything to Him in prayers. This verse holds the key to so many things, including our joy. Information will come to you that may appear threatening. Things will develop around you that may cause panic; but if you learn to shape them into prayers, you will be a happy soul.