Yours In Christ,
What Paul Prayed: Knee Power
“For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith." (Ephesians 3:15-17)
This morning, we jump to Ephesians chapter 3 for another of Paul’s prayers. First he gives us a glimpse of how he prays—on his knees. It’s amazing what actually getting on your knees does for your mind when you’re praying. You’re less likely to fall asleep than when you’re laying down, and you’re less likely to let your mind wander than when you “pray on the run.” Paul took his prayers for his friends seriously enough to make these requests on his knees.
Next, notice whom Paul prays to—the Father. And it wasn’t just the ritual greeting we sometimes use: “Dear Heavenly Father.” Paul knew that in praying, he was taking his best hopes for his friends not just “to the top,” but to the ultimate patriarch, the head of the family, the great and loving Father of us all.
So what did he ask? He wanted his friends to have God’s huge power to keep Christ living in their hearts through faith. Note he’s not asking God to keep them from losing their salvation. He’s asking that they’ll have the supernatural ability to always keep Jesus as the center of their lives.
Think: Why do you think we need so much help from God to keep our focus on our Savior?
Pray: Ask God to help you take prayer seriously enough to really talk to the Father with reverence and focus.
Do: Pray this verse for the 6 people on your list.
Cory
