Paul’s Prayer
Before I begin read his prayer for believers. It is one of my favorite passages and favorite prayers!
For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge —that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:14-21
Notice first that Paul prays that the Spirit will give us power. He is not talking about big muscles.He is not talking about power over others. He is speaking about inner strength. It’s about confidence. It’s about self control. It’s about facing life with courage in spite of difficulties and challenges. It’s a strength of Faith in our hearts that Jesus is always there wanting the best for us.
He goes on to emphasize how broad the love of God is for us. It is immeasurable in every direction. Moreover, this power is the power of Gods love and our comprehension of it.
I think of it as similar to the confidence a player gets from his or her coach. “We need you in the game right now to do what only you can do!” Only it is so much greater.
When I received my call to ministry I was an atheist. It was such an improbable thing to have God reveal himself to me. When I realized how much it was going to cost I didn’t worry one bit. I thought and prayer, “This was your idea. You can figure out how to pay for it.” I arrived at seminary with $500. I left four years later with no student debt.
I have a friend who leds All Things Possible Medical Financing. They raise money to buy wheel chair equipped vans for people who can’t afford them. They do it over and over again.
I know from experience most people are confronted with trials, tragedy, suffering, and disappointment. However, let me, along with St. Paul encourage you to hold on to this great love God has for you. Trust in the eventual positive outcome. Look for the love options in the midst of the trials. He will bless you even there!
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