Day 9

Prayer for Spiritual Power

from the Ephesians reading plan


Ephesians 3:14-21, Psalm 103:1-22, Philippians 4:12-13

BY Ellen L. Taylor

In the days of the early Church, letters like this one Paul wrote to the church at Ephesus 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% 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 is likely how Paul intended the church at Ephesus to hear it.

In this passage, Paul is coming before the Father to ask that the church would be strengthened (Ephesians 3:14–16). Paul reminds the Ephesians of the immeasurable goodness that the Father has for them, and at the end, he closes 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 is praying that the Ephesians will 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 3:18–9). 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.

Post Comments (57)

57 thoughts on "Prayer for Spiritual Power"

  1. Harriet Thomas says:

    I am learning to be loved by God. Although it is a new experience, I believe it is the power and strength I need for this walk of life. This morning, I decreed that I am a woman after God’s heart and I pray He will continue to pour out His spirit on my flesh. With love, HT.

  2. Charitie SharpOldendick says:

    Needed this today.

  3. Chris Pederson says:

    I agree that sometimes my prayers don’t feel as eloquent as the ones given at church. I sometimes wonder if I am good enough to pray. I’d like to get some tools or books that could help me pray better.
    https://maryestherruth.com/shop1/

  4. Heidi Pierce says:

    When he seems far away, he is there.

  5. Sara Morman says:

    Immeasurably more are the words that stood out to me. God is immeasurably more!

  6. nicidolan says:

    The word “all” just kept rushing over me like a wave. All the fullness, all that we ask, all generations. What rest it gives me when God gives me an all statement.

    1. Nicole C says:

      Love that – thank you for sharing.

  7. Rebecca W says:

    I relate to this so much, sometimes all I can do is say “I pray I pray I pray. “

    “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans” Rom8:26

  8. Teresa Fears says:

    My goodness this was so good!❤️

    It feels so good to know that our Father does not stockpile our sin! He is so gracious and merciful to us even when we fall short!❤️

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