Ephesians 3:14-21 (AMP)
Prayer for Spiritual Strength
(14) For this reason [grasping the greatness of this plan by which Jews and Gentiles are joined together in Christ] I bow my knees [in
reverence] before the Father [of our Lord Jesus Christ], (15) from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name [God—the first and ultimate Father]. (16) May He grant you out of the riches of His glory, to be strengthened and spiritually energized with power through His Spirit in your inner self, [indwelling your innermost being and personality], (17) so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through your faith. And may you, having been [deeply] rooted and [securely] grounded in love, (18) be fully capable of comprehending with all the saints (God’s people) the width and length and height and depth of His love [fully experiencing that amazing, endless love]; (19) and [that you may come] to know [practically, through personal experience] the love of Christ which far surpasses [mere] knowledge [without experience], that you may be filled up [throughout your being] to all the fullness of God [so that you may have the richest experience of God’s presence in your lives, completely filled and flooded with God Himself].
(20) Now to Him who is able to [carry out His purpose and] do super-abundantly more than all that we dare ask or think [infinitely beyond
our greatest prayers, hopes, or dreams], according to His power that is at work within us, (21) to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ
Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen.
As the Hutterthal Mennonite Church family enters into a transitional season, I am inviting you to pray Paul’s prayer as
sited previously. The Ephesians’ passage is Paul’s devout prayer to God for spiritual strength and the love of God to be
manifested in the church at Ephesus. In the days ahead may this be our prayer for each other.
The invitation is to pray the text as a sacred reading:
Begin with silence: “Become quiet and offer yourself to God.”
Read the text “out loud, slowly, allowing the words to resonate and settle in your heart.” Is there a word that “catches
your attention?” Sit with the word.
Read “the passage again and listen to where the Word of God connects with your life right now.” Experience the Word in
your life.
Read “the passage one more time, listening attentively… Allow the Scripture to lead you into prayer.”
Contemplate: “Deeply receive the Word and rest in his presence and love. Now is the opportunity to journal and or
creatively express your thoughts.
Pray the text over the church membership include the church programs and missions outreach. Is God giving you a
word for your friend, for the church? If so bring it forth. Contact the person you are praying for and let them know
you are praying for them. Ask if there is specific request that they would like you to pray for. If you are comfortable, pray with the
person.
Quotes from: Spiritual Disciplines Handbook: Practices That Transform Us by Adele Ahlberg Calhoun
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