Pray About Everything

“Pray About Everything” was written in 1989 by Joy Rice Martin, an American Christian songwriter known for texts that emphasize practical Christian living and personal devotion. The hymn is built directly upon the exhortation of Philippians 4:6-7, which declares, “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” The central theme of the hymn is the believer’s call to bring every concern, whether great or small, before the Lord in faithful prayer.

The text reflects a pastoral sensitivity to daily burdens, encouraging Christians not to carry anxiety alone. Instead, it directs the heart toward consistent communion with God, echoing 1 Thessalonians 5:17, “Pray without ceasing.” The hymn emphasizes dependence rather than self-reliance, reinforcing the promise given by Christ in Matthew 7:7-8 that those who ask, seek, and knock will receive an answer from their heavenly Father.

The tone of the hymn is gentle and instructional. It functions almost as spiritual counsel set to music, reminding believers that prayer is not reserved for emergencies but is to be the steady rhythm of the Christian life. James 5:16, which speaks of the effectiveness of fervent prayer, further undergirds the message that communion with God is both powerful and necessary.

Written in the late twentieth century, the hymn reflects a continuation of the evangelical tradition that values clear biblical application in congregational song. Its simplicity allows it to be used in church services, prayer meetings, and devotional settings. Rather than presenting abstract theology, the text brings doctrine into daily experience, urging believers to cultivate a life marked by trust, gratitude, and continual reliance upon God through prayer.

“Pray About Everything” stands as a reminder that spiritual peace flows not from circumstances, but from bringing every circumstance before the Lord.