THE UPPER ROOM DEVOTIONAL 18TH DECEMBER 2025, THURSDAY MESSAGE
Don’t Forget to Ask
Sandi Somers (Alberta, Canada)
Today’s Reading
Philippians 4:4-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. – Philippians 4:6 (NIV)
The Bible study I was leading didn’t go well. People were distracted, and their comments were scattered. I couldn’t seem to bring their attention back to the study. As I drove home after the meeting, I felt discouraged. Why had things gone wrong? Then I heard the Spirit’s quiet voice: “Did you ask me to help you?” I realized that I had not. In my frustration I hadn’t thought to ask for God’s help in refocusing our attention. I hadn’t even asked God to guide me as I prepared the study.
Sometimes we don’t receive from God because we don’t ask. As I thought about how I could talk to God about my needs more consistently, I remembered Philippians 4:6 — “Bring up all of your requests to God in your prayers and petitions” (CEB). I needed to ask God for wisdom in planning and making decisions, both in my morning quiet times and throughout the day.
We can cling to God’s assurance: “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you” (Ps. 32:8). When we talk to God about our everyday needs, God will guide us.
Thought for the Day
I will make my needs and concerns known to God through prayer.
Prayer Focus
For God’s guidance today
Today’s Prayer
God of love, thank you for your presence. Remind us to talk to you often and ask for your wisdom. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
The Upper Room Devotional 18th December 2025 is a daily devotional magazine published in more than 30 languages and 100 countries around the world. The daily meditations are written by readers of the magazine and others interested in sharing their faith experiences through writing—both laity and clergy, published authors and new writers. Read More