Of all the prayers in the Bible, Paul’s prayer for the Church at Ephesus found in Ephesians 3:14-21 is one of my favorites. An entire book could be written about all we can learn from this prayer. For now, we’ll mention just three: (1) The Posture of Prayer; (2) The Provision of Power; and (3) The Promise of Potency.
The Bible teaches that there is no one posture that is always expected from one who is in an attitude of prayer. Among other postures, the Bible tells of people praying while they are lying face down on the ground (Job 1:20-21); while they are lying in bed (Isaiah 38:2-3); and while standing (Luke 18:11-13). Here Paul says that he is kneeling as he prays (Ephesians 3:14). Kneeling, standing or lying on the ground, the posture of the body in prayer is not as important as the attitude of the heart.
Within the main portion of the prayer itself, the word power is found several times. The Greek work for power, dynamis, is the word from which our English word dynamite is derived. Dynamic Holy Spirit power is available for us as believers! The power that God provides through his Holy Spirit will strengthen us (Eph 3:16) and will enable us to begin to understand the wideness of God’s mercy and grace.
Finally, the doxology found in verses 20 and 21 reminds us of the potential for God to do much, much more than we can ever ask or imagine.
And, amazingly enough, this potent power of God’s is at work within us – right now! Our only response to this is to give glory to God (vs. 21)!
Try praying this prayer found in Ephesians 3:14-21 for a friend of family member who needs a reminder of God’s power and grace. You might find yourself, as I do, returning again and again to this prayer.
Laurie Barnes is the Pastor of Prayer and Congregational Care.
