Prayer, Part 1

The common weakness for many of our spiritual walks is our lack of prayer. To our own detriment, we have so little regard for our communion with the Father. There are a myriad of reasons for this, but they can all be summarized under one umbrella, spiritual foolishness.

To overcome this foolishness, we will take two weeks to examine prayer. This week we will focus on the aim and outcome of prayer from Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 3:14-19.

The first thing we notice is Paul's position in prayer. Locked away in a prison in Rome, he is bowing my knees before the Father. Even in these circumstances, he is demonstrating his submission to the Father through posture. Like a servant on his knees before a master or king. Thus it makes perfect sense that the Father’s sovereignty is made known, He is the One from Whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name.

Next, Paul is praying for them to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man. The abstractness of this prayer places no limits upon its effectiveness. Brothers and sisters, how often do we seek to be strengthened by our own ability? May it never be, but our continual dependence be upon the Lord. The inner strength of the saints comes only from the Spirit that dwells within us. This good gift given through the means of prayer is according to the riches of His glory. God is desiring to give His children every good gift from above (Mt. 7:9-11).

The result of Paul’s prayer is that they will be able to comprehend the love of Christ that surpasses all understanding. This happens when we are rooted and grounded in love. Notice the imagery of a tree’s roots or a building’s foundation providing stability. By implication, the stability in your life is found in the love of God.

This week, are you thinking or feeling that all might topple over? Pray! Pray that you might be rooted and grounded in the love of God to comprehend the love of God that surpasses all understanding.

Hollow inside? Pray! Pray that you might be filled with the fullness of God.

Redemption, dedicate yourselves to times of prayer. These are not abstract platitudes, but a call for the saints of God to live in sturdy dependence upon our Heavenly Father.

Blessings,

Jake and the elders