The Power of Prayer
As believers,
Christ-Followers (CF’s), we are not immune from attacks from the enemy –
spiritual warfare – but we have the power of the Father. God’s power to defend
and stand against the assaults by the enemy. His resources are limitless and we
as CF’s can draw on these resources.
Paul wrote Ephesians largely
for the purpose of unveiling the strength inherent in every person who is in
relationship with God through Christ (CF’s). In Ephesians, Paul highlights one
of the most important yet overlooked aspects of our spiritual armor: prayer.
Paul deemed prayer so
critical in gaining victory over Satan’s power in our lives that, as one
scholar observed, “Ephesians has proportionately more than 55% as many verses
directly related to prayer” as Romans, Paul’s longest letter. He knew prayer
was able to change the trajectory of their whole lives. Victory in spiritual
warfare is inseparable from prayer.
I pray that the eyes of your
heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he
has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his
holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is
the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and
seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule
and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked,
not only in the present age but also in the one to come. Ephesians
1:18-21 (NIV)
The hope we have is not some
vague feeling that the future will be positive, but it is complete assurance of
certain victory through God. This complete certainty comes to us through the
Holy Spirit who is working in us. God’s great power is available to help us;
there is nothing too difficult for Him.
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. Ephesians 3:14-19 (NIV)
We all have the fullness of
God available to us in union with Christ, through His empowering Spirit. We must
appropriate that fullness through faith and through prayer as we daily live for
Him. Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians is also for you and for me. Ask the Holy
Spirit to fill every aspect of your life to the fullest.
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 3:20-21(NIV)
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