King James Bible
"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God."
Paul commands believers to avoid anxious worry about any situation, using 'careful' in its older sense of 'full of care' or anxiety. This radical call to abandon worry sets up the alternative approach that follows. Instead of anxiety, Paul prescribes a threefold response: general prayer (communion with God), supplication (specific requests), and thanksgiving (gratitude even amid trials). This comprehensive approach transforms worry into worship. Believers are invited to present their specific needs directly to God, implying both His accessibility and His concern for individual circumstances. The phrase suggests confident, clear communication rather than vague religious ritual.