Have No Anxiety

Fearful Finds

As the facilitator, you will begin this lesson with a game called Fearful Finds Relay. In this activity, players will take turns reaching into a covered box filled with an unknown substance to search for coins. The challenge is that they cannot see what they are touching, and the mystery can create a sense of fear or hesitation. The goal is to help them experience what it feels like to face the unknown and to consider how trust plays a role in overcoming fear. You can find the full instructions for the game here: Fearful Finds Relay Instructions.

• How difficult was it to reach into the unknown?
• Did your familiarity with the leaders who set up this game make you more fearful or less?
• How is this game connected to the concept of trust?

Now that we’ve tried the game, let’s take a moment to think about what it felt like. Facing the unknown can be uncomfortable. Sometimes our imaginations make things seem scarier than they really are. This game reminds us that fear often grows when we cannot see what’s ahead. But when we take the step anyway, we learn something important about trust and courage.

Let’s shift from the game to our own lives. We all deal with different fears, both big and small. Some might seem small, like speaking in class or trying something new. Others feel big, like worrying about the future or about people we love. Whatever the size, those fears are real. And it is okay to talk about them here. This group is a safe space where we can be honest without judgment.

As we think about our own experiences with fear, let’s reflect together. What were your biggest fears this week? What are some things you are anxious about in general? How do you usually deal with your fears? These questions will help us see how fear shows up in our lives. After we share, we’ll turn to scripture to discover how God helps us when we feel afraid. His word offers wisdom and peace, and it teaches us how trust in Him can calm our anxious hearts.

Now read Philippians 4:6-9:

Brothers and sisters: Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Keep on doing what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me. Then the God of peace will be with you.

Philippians 4:6-9 – the second reading for the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

When we read Philippians 4:6-9, we see words that are very important for our lives. Paul tells us about prayer, petition, and thanksgiving. At first, these might sound like simple instructions, but if we look closer, we see that they carry a lot of meaning. They are not just nice ideas. They are ways of living that can help us face the fears and worries that fill our hearts. Many of us know what it feels like to lie awake at night, replaying all the things that might go wrong tomorrow. Some of us carry heavy fears about school, family, friendships, or even the future. Paul’s message is written for moments like these.

The first thing Paul tells us to do is bring everything to God in prayer. That means we do not need to hide our worries. We do not need to pretend that everything is fine. God already knows what is in our hearts, and He wants us to be honest with Him. Think of how you talk to your closest friend when you are scared or upset. You don’t try to sound perfect. You just let the words spill out. That is what prayer can be like. It is opening your heart to God and saying, “This is what I’m feeling. This is what I’m afraid of. Please help me.” Prayer is not about fancy words or perfect grammar. It is about trust.

Then Paul adds the word petition. Petition is a request, a way of asking God for something. It’s not wrong to ask God for help. In fact, He invites us to. If you are anxious about a test, a tough conversation, or even something bigger, bring it to Him. Say it out loud in your heart: “Lord, please be with me.” The simple act of asking reminds us that we are not facing life alone. Petition is a way of saying, “I need you, God, and I trust that you are here with me.” That alone can bring a sense of calm.

But Paul does not stop with prayer and petition. He adds something that might surprise us: thanksgiving. At first, this seems odd. Why should I thank God when I am anxious? Why should I be grateful when life feels so hard? Yet thanksgiving is the secret that shifts our hearts. Gratitude does not erase our problems, but it changes how we see them. When you take a moment to remember the blessings in your life, even the small ones, your fear loses some of its power. You might think of a funny text from a friend, the warmth of the sun on your face, or even just the breath in your lungs. These little moments remind us that God is with us and that He has not abandoned us.

Thanksgiving also keeps us from turning prayer into a list of demands. Without gratitude, prayer can sound like, “God, fix this. God, give me that.” But with thanksgiving, prayer becomes, “God, I trust You. I see the good things You have already given me. Thank You for being near me, even in my fear.” This type of prayer brings us closer to God. It reminds us that His love is not something far away. It is already here, active in our lives. And the more we practice gratitude, the more natural it becomes to notice His hand in the middle of our struggles.

Paul then tells us to think about whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and worthy of praise. This is more than just positive thinking. It’s about focusing our hearts on what reflects God’s goodness. If your mind is spinning with worry, pause and ask yourself: what good thing can I hold onto right now? Maybe it’s the kindness of a friend. Maybe it’s the beauty of creation. Maybe it’s the truth that God is faithful. Filling your thoughts with these things does not make problems vanish, but it does give your mind a place to rest. It pulls you out of the endless cycle of fear and brings you into a space of peace.

The essence of this passage is trust. Trust does not mean believing that everything will turn out exactly how we want. It means knowing that no matter what happens, God will not let go of us. He is holding us in His hands. He will give us the strength to walk through whatever comes. This trust is not easy. It takes practice. But as we learn to pray, to ask, to give thanks, and to focus on God’s goodness, we find ourselves more at peace.

So when Paul says, “Have no anxiety at all,” he is not saying, “Never feel worried.” He is saying, “When you feel worried, bring it to God.” He is showing us a way to move from fear into peace. You don’t have to carry anxiety by yourself. You don’t have to let it crush you. The way to find peace is to really trust in God. He is bigger than your fear. He is faithful in every season. And when you hand your worries to Him with gratitude, He will fill your heart with the peace that only He can give.

When breaking into small groups, remind participants that this is a safe space. Encourage them to listen with respect and kindness. No one should feel forced to share, but everyone should be invited to speak if they want to. Remind the group that what is shared should stay within the group and not be repeated outside of it. This creates trust and allows for honest conversation.

• What worries or fears do you find yourself carrying most often?
• How do you usually deal with anxiety when it comes up in your life?
• Have you ever prayed to God about something that worried you? What was that experience like?
• Why do you think Paul includes thanksgiving along with prayer and petition?
• How can gratitude change the way you look at a problem?
• What are some small blessings in your life that you sometimes overlook?
• How can thinking about what is pure, lovely, and good help you when you feel anxious?
• How might we support one another in our group when fears or worries feel heavy?
• What does trusting in God look like in your daily life?
• How could practicing prayer, petition, and thanksgiving help you feel more at peace?

This week, when you start to feel anxious, pause and think of three specific things you are grateful for. They don’t have to be huge. It could be a kind word from a friend, a delicious snack, a funny moment that made you laugh, or even the beauty of the sky at sunset. Be as detailed as you can. Picture the moment in your mind and let yourself remember how it felt. Gratitude works best when it is real and personal, not just a quick list. Taking time to notice these blessings helps you see that God is already at work in your life.

After you think of these three things, find a quiet place if you can. Sit for a few minutes and revisit those moments in your imagination. Let yourself feel thankful, and then bring your fears to God in prayer. Tell Him what worries you, but also thank Him for the good that is already there. Remember, God cares about you deeply. He provides many gifts each day, and being grateful for them can help calm your heart. When you combine gratitude with prayer, it opens the door for God’s peace to fill your life, even when things are difficult.

Let’s take a moment now to quiet our hearts and turn to God in prayer. Close your eyes if you’d like, take a deep breath, and remember that God is here with us right now.

Loving God, we come before you with our worries and our fears. Sometimes life feels overwhelming and we don’t always know what to do. But your word reminds us that we can bring everything to you in prayer. Thank you for listening to us and for caring about the things that weigh on our hearts.

We also thank you for the blessings you give us each day. Thank you for friends, for family, for laughter, for moments of beauty, and for the gift of your love. Help us to remember these good things when we feel anxious. Fill our hearts with gratitude so we can see your hand in our lives, even in hard times.

Lord, teach us to trust you. Give us your peace that goes beyond our understanding. Help us to walk with courage, knowing that you are always with us. We place our fears in your hands today and ask you to guide us with your light. Amen.

Themes

• Trust in God: This lesson helps youth see that God is always present in their struggles. Trust means believing that He will guide and support them even when life feels uncertain. It shows that faith is stronger than fear.
• Power of Prayer: The lesson teaches that prayer is an honest way to talk with God about worries. Youth learn that prayer is not about saying perfect words but about opening their hearts. God listens and cares for them.
• Value of Gratitude: Gratitude changes how we see life. When we thank God for blessings, we find peace even in hard times. It reminds us of His goodness every day.
• Peace through Faith: God offers peace that the world cannot give. This peace does not depend on everything going our way. It comes from knowing that God is in control.
• Strength in Community: Sharing fears in a safe group helps youth know they are not alone. Listening to one another builds trust and support. It reflects the Church as a family of faith.
• Scripture as Guidance: The lesson shows that the Bible speaks to real-life struggles. Philippians 4:6-9 offers direction when facing anxiety. God’s word gives hope and wisdom.
• God’s Daily Care: Remembering blessings helps youth see how God provides. Even small gifts are signs of His love. This builds confidence in His constant care.
• Courage to Face Fear: The opening game shows what it feels like to confront the unknown. This connects to daily life when youth must face challenges. Trust in God gives courage.
• Living with Joy: Focusing on what is pure and lovely helps youth see beauty in life. Joy grows when we look at the good instead of the bad. This brings light into anxious hearts.
• Growing in Faith: Practicing prayer, petition, and thanksgiving helps youth deepen their relationship with God. These habits draw them closer to Him each day. It builds a faith that lasts through struggles.
• Witness to Others: Gratitude and trust can inspire those around us. When youth live with peace in hard times, others notice. This becomes a quiet way of sharing faith.

Background Material

Anxiety and fear are part of the human experience. Scripture does not ignore these feelings. Instead, it offers guidance and comfort for those who are burdened. Philippians 4:6-9 is one of the clearest examples. Paul encourages believers to bring everything to God in prayer, with thanksgiving. This message fits deeply into Catholic teaching, which calls us to trust in God and to seek peace through faith.

The Bible shows us again and again that God cares for His people in times of worry. Jesus Himself tells us in Matthew 6:25-27 not to be anxious about our lives, because the Father provides. He points to the birds of the air and the flowers of the field as reminders of God’s care. This passage connects closely with Philippians 4:6-9. Both remind us that anxiety can be answered with trust and that God’s peace is greater than our fears.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church also speaks about prayer as a way to face life’s struggles. In section 2729 it says, “The habitual difficulty in prayer is distraction. It can affect words and their meaning in vocal prayer; it can concern, more profoundly, Him to whom we are praying, in vocal, liturgical, and mental prayer alike. To set about hunting down distractions would be to fall into their trap, when all that is necessary is to turn back to our heart: for a distraction reveals to us what we are attached to, and this humble awareness before the Lord should awaken our preferential love for him, and lead us resolutely to offer him our heart to be purified. (CCC 2729)” While this section is about distraction, it connects with anxiety. Both can pull our minds away from God. The answer is the same: to turn our hearts back to Him in trust and love.

Catholic tradition has always recognized the importance of thanksgiving in prayer. Gratitude opens the heart to God’s presence. The Psalms are full of prayers that thank God in every circumstance. Psalm 136 repeats, “His steadfast love endures forever,” showing how thanksgiving reminds us of God’s goodness. In the Mass, we also practice thanksgiving. The word Eucharist itself means thanksgiving. Every time we celebrate the Eucharist, we remember God’s greatest gift to us in Jesus Christ, and we give thanks. This connects to Paul’s teaching that thanksgiving is part of finding peace.

Trusting in God also means letting go of the idea that we control everything. Catholic teaching reminds us that God’s will is greater than ours. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” When we choose to trust, we allow God to guide us. This does not remove every problem, but it does change how we face them.

This lesson plan fits into Catholic teaching by pointing youth toward prayer, gratitude, and trust. These are not just ideas but practices at the heart of our faith. They are seen in scripture, in the Catechism, and in the life of the Church. By helping youth live these practices, we prepare them to meet their fears with faith and to rest in the peace of Christ.

Music Suggestions

• In Christ Alone
• Jehovah
• Give Thanks to the Lord
• Only in God
• Lord I Need You
• Nothing to Hold Onto
• Eye of the Storm