Strength Through Prayer

Ephesians 3:14-20 is Paul's prayer for strength. It seems like a really relevant prayer for me right now. The whole reason I re-started this blog was to give myself some accountability to reading the Bible. I need strength in my spiritual life. I need the reminders of God's grace in my life and a better understanding of what He did in calling me to salvation.

Paul asks God to grant "according to the riches of His glory...power through His Spirit in (our) inner being." God's glory is so beyond and above our understanding that there is no comparison to the riches of it. And Paul asks that this strength be granted "according to the riches of His glory." This makes me picture Tinkerbell from Peter Pan. The "magic" pixie dust flows from her all the time. But when a little is sprinkled on Michael, John, and Wendy they all can fly. How much greater is a little portion of the riches of God's glory going to strengthen us.

Another thing Paul mentions is our need to be "rooted and grounded in love." Yikes! Those of you who know me well know I'm not a very loving person. This is one of the reasons I believe God took my PCSO job away. I wasn't loving, I showed no grace in that job. I need to continue to pray "to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge," as verse 19 states. Love is an important part of the Christian's life. We are called to be set apart from the world. If we are able to show the love of God in our lives, instead of the sinful selfish desires of self love, we will bring the glory of God to all of those around us.

Finally, Paul reminds us that God "is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think." I remember always hearing people say, "You have to praise God and worship Him in your prayers. If all you are doing is asking for things, you are not praying correctly." But if you look at even the prayer of Jesus, "The Lord's Prayer" He asks God for food, forgiveness, guidance, and help. Although Jesus prayer does included great praise, He knew of God's abundant ability to provide beyond human understanding. And God's answers to our prayers are another way He is glorified.

Praise God for His Strength.