Stronger Prayer of Believers
by Sherry Wallis
“Prayer is something deeper than words. It is present in the soul before it has been formulated in words. And it abides in the soul after the last words of prayer have passed over our lips.” ~Ole Hallesby
This was his eternal plan, which he carried out through Christ Jesus our Lord.
Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence. So please don’t lose heart because of my trials here. I am suffering for you, so you should feel honored.
When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.
Ephesians 3:11-21 (NLT)
I like what these verses tell me about prayer. First, I can pray boldly and confidently. Paul was in prison when he wrote the book of Ephesians. He implores the Christians to not be discouraged or quit believing because of his trials and suffering. He then prays boldly for them.
Second, the Trinity is involved in the prayers of believers. Paul mentions God’s unlimited resources (he wants to bless us); the Holy Spirit who strengthens the body, soul, and spirit; and Christ who dwells in our hearts.
Third, God can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine. I feel like I can ask and imagine a lot, but Paul is saying that God’s power has no end, and he can meet people’s spiritual needs more than they can think to ask.
The imagery of the roots growing down into God’s love reminds me of a giant oak tree behind Pelfrey Hall where I work. The root system must be enormous to withstand the storms and weather it has faced in the past so it can continue to stand tall. Prayer keeps us rooted in Christ so we can remain strong in our faith. We will have storms, but if we are communicating with the Lord, we will be able to withstand the trials.
Having a stronger prayer life is an ongoing mission of mine. I seem to lack the discipline to make prayer a priority at a set time each day. My prayers are often one sentence when a person or event crosses my mind. I talk to the Father continually throughout my day, but I don’t have a designated time to stop and pray. I also do a lot of praying while I walk the dog or if I am driving a long distance (no I don’t close my eyes during those times).
Think about your prayers lately. Are they bold and confident? Do your prayers reflect the belief that God can transform lives and provide? Is there something you have hesitated in praying about or been afraid to ask God for? Do you need to say thank you to the Lord for a blessing or a beautiful sunrise/sunset? Prayers don’t have to be elaborate. Just have a conversation with your Savior.
If you are a prayer warrior, please continue. You are making a difference. If you are undisciplined at your prayer life like me, continue to pray. If you are reluctant to pray, trust that God is able to do infinitely more than you can ask or imagine if you just trust Him.
N.T. Wright’s summary of prayer is an encouragement. “Those who want their actions to be effective for God’s kingdom should redouble their time and effort in prayer. Prayer brings together love and power: the relation of love that grows up between God and the person who prayers, and the flowing of power from God to, and especially through, that person.”
