Series Summary
One of the greatest tools we have in our spiritual arsenal is the ability to pray to a Father in Heaven who is willing to listen to us. And yet, many Christians don’t seem to know how to pray, or even why to pray. Sometimes, we neglect this incredible opportunity, and we continue to operate by our own strength… which doesn’t work well, or for long. The Bible has a lot to say about the topic of prayer: why it’s so important, what to pray for, how to pray effectively, and so much more. In this series, we’ll dig into some of those passages and learn more about prayer… so that we can pray better.
Sermon Summary
What does it look like to pray with power? In Ephesians 3:14–21, Paul gives us more than a beautiful prayer to admire; he gives us an example to follow. His prayer reminds us that powerful prayer begins with a heart that recognizes its dependence on God and trusts him completely. Paul prayed with confidence in God’s abundant resources, with a desire for believers to be strengthened in their inner lives, and with a deep longing for them to experience the fullness of Christ’s love. His example challenges us to move beyond prayers that simply address our immediate needs and begin praying for the deeper spiritual work God desires to accomplish in us and through us.
Paul’s prayer also reminds us that we never exhaust God’s resources when we pray. We can ask boldly because God is able to do far more than we could ever imagine. We can pray for spiritual strength, deeper faith, greater love, and lives that bring glory to Christ. Even when we struggle to find the right words or wonder whether our prayers make a difference, Paul’s example points us back to the God who hears us and works through his power within us.
Maybe it is time to allow this kind of prayer take root in our lives. Take some time to pray intentionally for yourself, your family, your church, and those who need to know Christ. Ask God to strengthen hearts, deepen faith, and make his love more real in the lives of those around you. Don’t limit your prayers to what seems possible from your own perspective. Pray with the confidence that God is able to accomplish far more than you ask or imagine. And as you pray, remember that the ultimate purpose of powerful prayer is that God is glorified.