In the days of the early Church, letters like this one were often read out loud at a gathering of church members so that everyone could hear them. I’ll be honest, I can barely make it through reading Ephesians 3:14–21 silently and to myself without crying. Ask me to read it out loud, and all bets are off. There is a 100 percent chance that my voice will crack and tears will begin to well up in my eyes and flow down my cheeks. I think it’s because I can’t read it out loud without beginning to read it as a prayer, which may be how Paul intended the church at Ephesus to hear it.
In this passage, Paul was coming before the Father to ask that the church would be strengthened (Ephesians 3:14–16). Paul reminded the Ephesians of the immeasurable goodness that the Father had for them, and at the end, he closed with this: “Now to him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us—to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen” (vv.20–21).
What a beautiful prayer. I don’t know about you, but sometimes I can feel insecure that my prayers don’t sound as eloquent or “professional” as the ones I hear at church. I have had several friends in my life who I’ve always considered to be “good” at praying—and I haven’t ever put myself in that category. During a particularly difficult time in my life, all I could manage to get out while I was praying was, “God, please,” and “God, why?”
Sometimes, I didn’t even know what I was asking. But I knew that God knew, because His love for us surpasses our understanding of what love is. Paul was praying that the Ephesians would be able to “comprehend…what is the length and width, height and depth” of the love that God has for them. God loves His people so much that He was willing to sacrifice His Son for them, a love that surpasses knowledge or understanding (Ephesians 3:18–19). He forgives us of all our iniquities (Psalm 103:3), “as far as the east is from the west, so far he has removed our transgressions from us” (v.12).
All of our wordless prayers, all of our groans of pain and suffering and frustration, they are all held in His hands. Even when we are unsure of His love for us, even when we can’t feel it, even when He seems far away, He is there. And His love for us goes beyond our understanding. May we live our lives in such a way that glorifies Him, forever and ever.
Leave a Reply
90 thoughts on "Prayer for Spiritual Power"
Amen
❤️
Thank you, Jesus, for the many riches of your love towards us! We bless your name!
AMEN! This reading has been a blessing to me!
I actually wanted to comment on yesterday’s reading as I’m just catching up today. Started back at school (I teach 6th grade Spanish!) and this week has been busy already! I have struggled with feelings of inadequacy since I was young, all stemming from being severely bullied by other girls all through MS and HS. Being ostracized by the girls only led me into the arms of the boys and much promiscuity, only adding to more bullying and self loathing. For years I carried such shame around and guilt around. Had issue with trusting others. Filled the feelings of loneliness with boyfriend after boyfriend. None able to fill the hole. BUT GOD… he pursued me and little by little peeled away the layers of hurt and shame. I did a study by Kristi McClelland called “Jesus and Women” last year and it really healed my heart. She talks about how in every encounter with women, Jesus brought them from a place of shame to a place of honor and I really feel like that’s what God has done for me. I no longer feel ashamed of my “sordid and sinful” past. I don’t like it but I am not condemned by it. And while I still struggle with feelings of unworthiness or loneliness at times, I am much better at stopping the thoughts and reminding myself that they are a thing of the past. God has brought me such amazing women in my life (all of you included) and I know I am not alone. I am His beloved daughter and He shows me time and time again.
That’s a great testimony Tami, thank you for sharing! Praise God!
This is soooo good!!
Love the scripture today! Ephesians 3:16-19 was read at our wedding (along with 1 Corinthians 13)!
Long ago, down on the farm, long before dish washers, my mother and I memorized Psalm 103 while doing dishes. It is one of my favorite Psalms. Also the passage from Ephesians is one I pray often over my whole family, especially my unbelieving son and family.
Oh Indiana, what a precious memory…shared time & soul cleansing!
“to Him be Glory in the Church to ALL Generations “
Yes to this prayer today : May my family all come to Know this and carry this Glory to their offspring!
So eternally grateful for grandmothers who prayed for their children and grandchildren
Prayer is All powerful to do abundantly more than all we ask or even can think to ask❤️
I feel I need to share a song this morning so no long comment as these lyrics are long!
~
I will say I am praying for Wyatt, LINDA and GENE, LYNNE and JACK, GRAMIESUE and STEVE, INDIANA ELAINE, TAYLOR and others mentioned!
~
Psalm 103:19 brought to mind a different song this morning. I first heard this song a few years ago and singing it out loud always brings tears – it is a
powerful song (to my heart/spirit anyway.) I hope it blesses some of you today.❤❤
~
REIGN ABOVE IT ALL (Live)
The reign of darkness now has ended
In the kingdom of light
In the kingdom of light
Forever under Your dominion
You’re the King of my life
You’re the King of my life
You reign above it all
You reign above it all
Over the universe
And over every heart
There is no higher name
Jesus, You reign above it all
On the cross, the work was finished
God, You poured out Your life
Just to give us new life
Now from the lips of the forgiven
Hear an anthem arise
‘Cause Jesus You’re alive, oh
You reign above it all
You reign above it all
Over the universe
And over every heart
There is no higher name
Jesus, You reign above it all
Let all of heaven and the earth erupt in song
Sing Hallelujah to the Everlasting One
There is no higher name
Jesus, You reign above it all
Yes, You reign above it all
You sent the darkness running
Out of an empty grave
Now seated alone in glory
Enthroned on the highest praise
You sent the darkness running
Out of an empty grave
Now seated alone in glory
Enthroned on the highest praise
You sent the darkness running
Out of an empty grave
Now seated alone in glory
Enthroned on the highest praise
You sent the darkness running
Out of an empty grave
Now seated alone in glory
Enthroned on the highest praise
You sent the darkness running
Out of an empty grave
Now seated alone in glory
Enthroned on the highest praise
You sent the darkness running
Out of an empty grave
Now seated alone in glory
Enthroned on the highest praise
You reign above it all
You reign above it all
Over the universe
And over every heart
There is no higher name
Jesus, You reign above it all
Let all of heaven and the earth erupt in song
Sing Hallelujah to the Everlasting One
There is no higher name
Jesus, You reign above it all
You reign above it all
Yes, You reign above it all
Yeah, You reign above it all
Yes, You reign above it all
High and lifted up
You reign above it all
Yes, You do
You reign (Come on, sing it)
You reign above it all
You reign above it all
Over the universe
And over every heart
There is no higher name
Jesus, You reign above it all
Let all of heaven and the earth erupt in song
Sing Hallelujah to the Everlasting One
There is no higher name
Jesus, You reign above it all
Songwriters: Jess Clayton Cates, Hannah Mcclure, Paul Mcclure, Ethan Gregory Hulse. For non-commercial use only.
Thank you for the prayer, Cee Gee. ❤️
He does immeasurably more than we ask or think.
GM She’s! I lost all my thoughts after spotty internet, but you all summed up these powerful scriptures this morning!
I love that although I am out of town and away from my small groups, that SRT goes with me wherever I am. (well, when the wifi cooperates!) Same as the Lord, our Mighty God..is everywhere we are. We can’t be anywhere He is not! And better yet…He is IN US. Wow. Wow. Fill me up Lord, fill up my sisters. The ebbs and flows of life are good..but sometimes we are so stuck, and feel so unseen, unloved, undernourished, weak, and just pitiful…Lord…we seek the love and joy of you to undo us from the muck, and give us your power! Thank goodness for YOU, and the Savior you sent for us to be grafted unto you, and make us seen and loved, no matter if we feel it or not. That is trust and faith. Thank you Lord.
❤️
I also love Philippians 4:12 – I have learned to be content in whatever circumstance I’m in, whether little or a lot. So powerful. In a world that tells us “buy, buy, buy” we can be content with little because we have Jesus!!
Hey Kris. Agreed!
All things.
“With” Him more than “through” Him!
For you who have read the Mitford series, you are familiar with the prayer that never fails: “Thy will be done”. I think the most powerful prayers are from the hearts of people who actually believe that God hears and God responds with His perfect will and time. It’s not the words we say, but the trust we have in our God.
Yes, Amen! Albeit the hardest prayer sometimes! Thy Will Be Done!!
Praying for you and Gene!
I just feel like all I can add is amen to that prayer! What a beautiful passage to read today!
I don’t know about you but some mornings it is hard for me to comprehend God’s love for me! I know He loves me as a fact but sometimes it is hard to get to my heart! But God, on those days always hears my prayer and somehow shows me how much He loves me! It may be just a stirring in my heart or it may be a scripture or some beautiful sign in nature! All I have to do is ask! Praying for all of you!
Oh how I needed Ellen’s last paragraph today. Not long before I had been laying in bed praying and feeling like I wasn’t being heard. My head knowledge told me it wasn’t true, but my tossing and turning and lack of heart understanding said differently. Thank you Ellen for the reminder of God’s all encompassing love!
♥️
And AMEN!! Well thought-out-devotion this morning! Thank you Ellen. The hymn “How Deep Father’s Love for US” came to mind and playing it now! LOVE, LOVE this hymn, playing it now and will play it all the way to work as I decided to walk to work today. I know I’ve mentioned this many times and I don’t get tired or repeating it. During my darkest and lonely times, I know that I know my JESUS was and is with me. NO ONE could ever love YOU or I the way OUR JESUS does! LOVE how Ellen ends by saying “even when we can’t feel it” NOW that’s our Jesus! Happy Tuesday sweeties! Can’t wait to see my sweet little ones! I missed them! Even the challenging ones!
I checked my journal and the last time I read my Bible outside of church was 6/16. So thankful that nothing can separate us from God’s love. Thank you She’s for always being a welcoming community, even for those who come and go <3. Thank you for those who prayed for me in my absence.
My new job is going well, but I am still adjusting which is impacting my daily morning devotion time. Praise God I have a new car, however I lost a lot of money in my accident because the driver who hit me was uninsured. I am at starting up another busy season of field hockey officiating, so I am taking today’s passages and praying for strength to get me through these next 2-3 months. I am also still single and have been feeling a bit lonely lately. I also need strength to wait patiently for what God has for me and to feel content in this season.
Love to all and I’ve been trying to keep up with prayer requests on the Facebook group. I hope to be back here again with you all consistently soon. <3
Dear Taylor, so good to see you! Praying for peace, joy and strength, both in your busy schedule and in the waiting. Love to you ❤️
I’m so glad you checked in. I have missed your insights. Praying for you through these changes and looking forward to anytime you can share with SRT.
SWEET Taylor, I was thinking of you recently! Glad your still here with us and so sorry about your accident. I too, was in one almost 2 years ago and the driver was ALSO uninsured. BUT GOD…. our wonderful God provider and even better car which sounds like He did for you as well. Taylor….keep holding onto to our JESUS, HE will bring that special someone in His right timing.
Taylor! I have been praying for you in your absence. Thankful to see your post this morning.
Taylor!!! I’ve been thinking of you, missing you, and lifting you to Jesus! You are a beautiful woman of God and He has great plans just for you! Please remember that you are the only person who can fulfill your mission!! As Tina says, “BUT GOD”!!! ♥️♥️
It’s so good to see you here again, Taylor. I was thinking about you recently as well…and when God brings someone to my mind I lift a prayer. Hugs to you ❤️
Oh so good to see you Taylor, I thought of you and “think” I messaged you on FB to ask how you were and told you I missed you on SRT, but who knows if I followed through! (laughing emoji!)
“I pray that you, being rooted and firmly established in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the length and width, height and depth of God’s love, and to know Christ’s love that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.”
——
How long?
– “To the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).
– “I have loved you with an everlasting love” (Jeremiah 31:3).
How wide?
– “For God so loved the world” (John 3:16).
– “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; they are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 3:23-24)
How high?
– “He has also raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavens in Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 2:6)
How deep?
– “Instead he emptied himself by assuming the form of a servant, taking on the likeness of humanity. And when he had come as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death—even to death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:7-8)
——
To God be the glory!
So happy to see you here commenting again.
♥️ So good, Julia! I always appreciate your insights!! Good to “see you” today!! ♥️
Ditto!
Thank you Julia! I love your scripture references.
Amen!!
I love that even when we don’t know what to ask or how to ask it, the Spirit intercedes for us. God is always making a way.
Me too, Libby! Me too!
SRT sisters ❤
Once again I come this morning asking your prayers. It’s been a rough 5 days physically for Gene. We avoided a hospital visit but his GI issues linger. The constant twisting to help with his clothes has increased my chronic back pain and exhausted me. It’s hard to have my
devotions because of constant interruptions. It’s one of those times my prayers seem to bounce back to me.
It’s not my strength that keeps me going (Phil 4:13). Prayers please for me to be able to cast my cares on Jesus and for Gene to have less pain and no more GI problems.
Love you sisters and pray for your requests. Thank you
Linda I am so sorry to hear that your pain has increased. My continued prayer for you, Lynn from Alabama and all other care givers is that God will give you spiritual, mental and physical strength as you care for your beloveds. I can’t imagine how hard it must be. ❤️
Dear Linda and Gene,
Lifiting you in prayer to “Him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us” (Ephesians 3:20).
Dear Linda, I know exactly how you feel, sweet sister! I pray for you and Gene every day. I often wonder how much longer I can keep this up and I know you do too. God has got us and He will ever let us go! ❤️
Linda, praying! I have so many lower back issues (read pain) so I understand that particular misery.
Praying for you & Gene ❤️
Your prayers and comments mean so much to me! This devotion was just what I needed today. 10,000 Reasons was on my mind as I went to sleep last night. This morning I sang The Goodness of God and Great Is Your Faithfulness (to myself). Both lifted my spirits as have your prayers.
Lynn, I’m right there with you,how can I hold on?? Only by God’s grace minute by
minute!
Oh dear sister, my prayers go up for you and Gene. Hugs to you ❤️
“His love for us goes beyond our understanding. May we live our lives in such a way that glorifies Him, forever and ever.” Amen & Amen.
___________
A number of months ago I was listening to a sermon on Ephesians 3:14-9, by Francis Chan. He encouraged the listeners to be praying this prayer for your pastor and fellow believers. I took that suggestion to heart and ever since, I have been praying it for myself, my husband (pastor) and for every single person in our church congregation.
“Paul asked God to fill these Christians unto all the fullness of God. The word unto is a better translation than the word with. Paul wanted Christians to experience life in Jesus Christ, the fullness of God (Colossians 2:9), and to be filled to their capacity with Jesus, even as God is filled to His own capacity with His own character and attributes.” (Enduring Word)
..oh to be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God!!
__________
Ephesians 3:20 – I think of and refer to this verse in my prayer, every time I pray for my prodigal sons.
___________
How interesting that yesterday I learned that the angels learn from us, and today in Psalm 103:20-21, David boldly tells the angels to praise the Lord!
___________
Philippians 4:13 – “being content in any situation” – the strength to do that comes from Christ and it is the key to joy.
___________
May each of my sisters be blessed with the peace of God today, no matter what circumstances we find ourselves in.
Continued prayers for all of your requests. ❤️
❤️
I love this Sharon! And thank you for the day light bulb suggestion. I haven’t heard of them but I’m sure going to get some for chela. Day 2 down and no issues… phew.
Thinking of Matt Redman’s 10,000 Reasons while reading Psalm 103 this morning.
–
Cousin-in-law – she’s making the expected progress in her recovery, still in icu. Thank you, sisters, for praying.
–
SUSAN JOINER – thank you for the update on Wyatt. Praying for today’s chemo session and tomorrow’s scan. And I know what you mean by a little one having a piece of your heart – there’s one that has a piece of mine that I didn’t know existed until they grabbed it and didn’t let go. ❤️
I always think of the opening of that song when I read the opening of Psalm 103, Searching. I was just singing it during this reading :)
Prayers of recovery for your cousin in law.
❤️
Praise the Lord that your cousin is progressing! Continued prayers.
Praying ❤️
Thank you!❤️
Praying for your pain to lessen each day.
Father we need you. Guide our steps. Heal my boys knew swiftly. Protect us. In Jesus name, Amen
Paul prayed that believers “may be able to COMPREHEND with all the saints what is the length and width, height and depth of God’s love, and to know Christ’s love that SURPASSES KNOWLEDGE.”
.
Seem like something only God can do…comprhend something that surpasses knowledge :-)
.
SEARCHING – praying for restored health for your cousin-in-law. Praying your pain levels are continuing to decrease too.
.
GRAMSIESUE – praying the Lord gives you peace and comfort regarding your DIL.
.
DONNA WOLCOTT – how did boot camp graduation go?
.
TAYLOR HITE – how is Josh?
.
INDIANA ELAINE – praying you are back home and being diligent about your PT.
I had the same thoughts this morning..!
Thanks for asking Kelly. I went to her graduation Friday in OK. Today she starts her senior year of high school and feels a little out of touch. She gained a lot of maturity these past 10 weeks. She shared with me when she got home this weekend, how strange it feels to be home. Going to be an adjustment and next summer again. A little prayer for adapting would be great. Thanks again for thinking of her.
❤
Only God can do-do true!
Praying for all the prayer requests
Thank you, Kelly (NEO). ❤️ I leave for therapy soon. I have it three times a week plus I’m given exercises to do twice a day when not there.
Yes. Lord thank you for your love for us
“But from eternity to eternity the Lord’s faithful love is toward those who fear Him, and His righteousness toward the GRANDCHILDREN of those who keep His covenant, who remember to observe his precepts.” (Psalm 103:17-18)
That passage just hit me, as I am praying for the salvation of my grandchildren and children this morning. God is so faithful! He is always there but just shows up in the little things (that may be huge to me!) so much! I am grateful for this passage this morning. I have a son who won’t have anything to do w/ me, which means I haven’t seen my grandchildren, and I am sure they don’t even remember who I am, but God. I pray continuously for them. He will make a way for them to hear about Jesus, to have their lives changed. Through me or in spite of me. And then to start the morning reading off with Ephesians 3:20-21, I am undone. The Lord knew that I needed this today. I can’t even describe what this does for me. I am really blubbering. Glad you can’t see me. lol.
I love you dear Sisters. Today, I am especially praying for your children and grandchildren to know the deepness of God’s love for them.
Amen
Tricia C. I can relate to what you’re going through. Praying that God will open your son’s heart to your love for him and your Grands.
TRICIA, joining you in tears as I read your words this morning. My heart breaks for the distance between you and your son/grandchildren. I pray for friends and family members who are, for lack of a better word, estranged from parents or in-laws. Praying that hearts are changed, grievances are set aside, grudges are released and relationships are mended. Everyone suffers as these situations continue, especially the grandchildren (no matter the age) as they lose out on the relationship with an older, wiser generation. Praying for you and yours, Tricia ❤️
❤️ yes don’t give up praying!
Tricia, I am so sorry to hear about your son and that you are not allowed to see your grandchildren. How heart breaking. I will be praying that God gets a hold of his heart and changes him…praying along with you for the salvation of your children and grands. ❤️
Tricia (and all of my dear sisters who have loved ones not walking with Jesus) You totally expressed my ♥️ this morning, as well as Sharon, Searching, Kelly, Lynn from Al, and Rhonda, Tina…so many others!! I also “got the Grandchildren” reference…( sent to my husband).
I know that I keep saying how thankful I am for this group, but, I refer to all of you to my husband and friends… and they look puzzled, and say, “ Who are you referring to?” And I respond, “Oh, one of my dear friends from SRT”!!! I consider each one of you to be God-sent blessings in my life! (Including those not mentioned)!! Praise God from whom all Blessings Flow!! ♥️♥️♥️
Dear Tricia, praying for restored relationships, both between you and your (grand)son(s) and between them and God ❤️
Tricia C, I copied this portion from Psalm 103 as well. What a promise – that God blesses the next generation as well. I will pray for your situation with your son and grands. I know that my husband’s parents and my mom pray daily for their grandchildren, and it is why our own estranged daughter is now moving towards us. I will be praying that you have this same movement in your own family.
Praying for reconciliation and healing with your son and grandchildren. ❤️
LOVE the grandchildren part, too!!!
My thoughts on the grandchildren reference: I don’t have any yet, and despite having 5 children, there is no guarantee that I ever will. But I can pray over my children. And I think of my late MIL, who didn’t live to see any of her children. Only my oldest 2 remember my mother. It makes me sad that they missed out on these relationships, but the promises still apply. And despite their shortcomings, they were still a blessing to my children. I do the best I can to preserve their memories through positive stories and remembering their love for them. ❤️
Thank you Lord for your love for us
Amen ❤️
In the early days of my serious walk with the Lord, I would always approach the front for prayer when it was offered at church. And every time I would be in awe of the person (mostly different) who prayed for me.. they sounded professional, as though they had been to ‘praying for others’ college, they had words I had never heard before, And my nickname at work, is wordsmith! Go figure!
Seriously though, when I started working for the church, the pastor at the time would say “if you have an arm and you can extend it, you can pray for others” I, indeed did have an arm, but I could not string words that I believed were acceptable to God together. I certainly wouldn’t have been as perfect as those who had prayed for me in the past.. and aloud for the recipient of my prayer to hear, I was for sure going to be exposed as a fake!
I would often leave church, before he made this announcement for staff to come forward to pray for others.
.
BUT GOD..
Yet another thing He had to remove from me, this fear thst I could not be a good prayer, so I could understand a little more of the depth of His love and care for me.
So, at staff prayers one day, the pastor asked as to gather in twos and threes and pray for each other and if there were pictures even better! I started to leave, when I heard the pastor call my name.. ” going somewhere?” I couldn’t lie, so I said nothing .. “join those two over there ” he said.
I wanted to die. He had only put me with his wife and the other pastors wife who often speak at conferences of ove 5,000 people! As I approached them the words thst left my mouth were ” I don’t pray and God for sure never gives me pictures” Their kind response was ” that’s okay we can still pray for you!”
I can only tell you, thst day, I also left the ‘College of praying for others’ not with flying colours but the lesson sure was learnt..
God, sees us all equally, He hears us all equally, and to His ears our hearts and what is in it is what He sees and hears. Big fancy words make no difference if your heart is empty or angry or dark.. your heart must be pure and clean and true and in a position of approach to the One who already knows your prayers before you speak!
I am not an eloquent prayer, by a long shot, but I can be an effective one!
.
BUT GOD..
.
AMEN.
.
It’s raining here, dear hearts, so sending some warming love and hugs covered in prayers for a good and God blessed day for you all..
Much love,
Tina.♥️♥️
Thank you, Tina. Thank you for being vulnerable and sharing your heart. Blessings to you today.
TINA, sister, I was nodding & thinking yep, that’s me. Public praying, right up there on the same level with other public speaking. If asked to gather in 3’s or 4’s … escape is my only thought. I’ve gotten a tiny bit better and can pray a smidgen more than a rote grace with a few people at the table. People that can pray from their heart to God’s waiting ear out loud in a group or at church – they and those around them are blessed.
I love your encouraging testimony that God hears us all equally, and that we don’t have to be eloquent to be effective. Thank you ❤️
I’m definitely the other side of this coin, Tina, so thank you for sharing your story! I’m the person who LOVES praying out loud and always wants to encourage those who don’t feel “gifted” to do it anyway! As you said, we are all equal, all our voices are heard equally by God. ❤️ your prayer is as important as anyone else’s, even those who regularly speak to 5,000 people ❤️
I often had others say to me, “I don’t know how to pray” or “I wish I could pray like you” etc. I always tell them – there is no “right way” to pray, just talk to God. Talk to him just like you’d talk to a friend, because that’s what prayer is – conversation with God.
I heard many big “fancy” prayers in my day, but at times they have sounded forced and fake. I feel God would so much rather hear from our heart. ❤️
Oh I hear you, Tina! Thank you for pointing out eloquent vs. effective prayers… ❤️ I feel like I have to write my prayers down or else I just even don’t know what I am saying… But thankfully He knows and hears all of it!
I just read an article from The Gospel Coalition (How Do We Know and Feel God’s Love?) and it pointed out different prayer postures:
—
“Our posture in prayer is often quite revealing. If I’m sitting at my desk with my Bible open and writing out prayers in a journal, that’s an appropriate posture for a prayer for understanding and wisdom. If I’m lying in bed praying as I drift off to sleep, that’s an appropriate act of submitting my life wholly to God. But if I’m on my knees praying aloud or in groans too deep for words, that’s a moment of profound struggle or passion. That’s where Paul is.”
Hey Julia
Thanks for describing
prayer postures.
All pointing to God.
I feel every part of this, dearest Tina. Love your words here: Big fancy words make no difference if your heart is empty or angry or dark.. your heart must be pure and clean and true and in a position of approach to the One who already knows your prayers before you speak!
Yes, and amen. Most of my prayers are NOT eloquent. When I was a pastor’s wife and a missionary, I felt a lot of pressure to have “college-level” prayers, and that was for sure not my style. But over the years I am learning that God wants us to come to Him just as we are. He created us, after all!!, and so we pray from our hearts and we don’t worry about how flowery they sound.
Most of you might remember all my stories of “learning to pray out loud” in the last two years! It’s kinda funny now, being so fearful, yet SO many Christians ARE fearful of praying aloud to others! We want to say the churchy words. In my case…I just want words to come out! I just seem to not have words come to mind period! I love to write out my thoughts much more like here on SRT! It has been a God send for me in that way to put thoughts and prayers to paper. I still don’t really feel comfortable to go up for alter prayer team after 2 years, I would rather run into people in the sanctuary and lobby that need someone to talk to! But I have learned like you said Tina, you don’t have to sound eloquent to be efficient, BUT we must be willing to pray for and with others, that is what it means to be a Child of God!!
Love always what you share Tina!
Well said, Dear Tina… Another chapter for that book! ♥️
Loved all the responses, too! I’m probably with Michelle on this one, but I often encourage others to “Practice praying out loud at home, to get used to the sound of their voice…and to talk to the Lord as a friend.”. This advice helps “close the gap” between us… Jesus gave His life for us… why wouldn’t He want to “Hear from us”???
Yes, I have made the same escape method to avoid praying out loud. I just don’t know how those people learn those big words. But when I volunteered in high school girls Bible studies I had to learn to put aside my fears and just talk to God. Those girls didn’t know how scared I was. They just saw me as an adult who must know what she’s doing. LOL
I’m still not completely comfortable praying out loud but I’ve learned that most people aren’t judging you for what you say. They are praying along with you. And probably shaking in their boots waiting for their turn.
Hugs to you sweet sister ❤️
Dear Tina
It’s not how you say it.
It’s how you live it.
Which you do.
Clear & courageous!
Blessed & free!