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We often hesitate to pray, believing it requires perfect vocabulary or confidence. Paul’s example shows that true spiritual authority doesn't come from how you sound; it comes from **a posture of humility** before the Father.
Prayer begins with surrendering the heart, not displaying polished words. This is why Paul says, "For this reason I bow my knees..." (Ephesians 3:14).
Paul asks the Father for four critical results in the lives of believers:
To be "strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man." Our strength for ministry and life is not our own; it is supplied by the Holy Spirit. (v. 16)
That Christ may "dwell in your hearts through faith." This means allowing Jesus to settle down and be fully at home in every room of your heart—not just a visitor, but the resident who rules and leads. (v. 17a)
That you, being "rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend... what is the width and length and depth and height." When we are rooted in love, we create the stability needed for true, Spirit-shaped unity and understanding. (v. 17b-18)
To "know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God." The ultimate goal is to contain the very character, power, and perfection of God Himself. (v. 19)
The power available to us is limitless. God is able to do "exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us." This promise means our ability to imagine, plan, or vocalize is not the limit of His power.
"God works exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think—through His Spirit, not our skill, not our words, not our understanding."
The result of this work is **Glory in the Church**: "To Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen." When we pray, obey, and love in Spirit-shaped unity, God’s glory is revealed through His people.
Ryan has been an Elder of the Worship Center since 2019