The Power of Prayer

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)