The Power of Prayer

“For this reason I too, having heard of the faith in the Lord Jesus which exists among you and your love for all the saints, do not cease giving thanks for you, while making mention of you in my prayers; that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.” Ephesians 1:15-23

The New Testament city of Ephesus was a hotbed of action. Trade and commerce flourished as did different forms of religious activity. It was considered a cultural center where temples dedicated to every imaginable god were erected. Idols formed in these godlike images adorned shops and most homes.

Christians who were saved out of this type of environment knew the value of prayer and worship. At one time they had offered much of themselves to these vain and hollow images. Now they worshiped the one true God. The power of their testimony and prayers was witnessed throughout the region. They were freedom fighters. For by the power of the Lord Jesus Christ, they were set free to live above the sin of their city.

When Paul first picked up his stylus to write to them, he repeatedly praised God for their faith through prayer. It was his prayers that dramatically changed the Ephesians’ spiritual outlook. In faith, he asked God to open their eyes so they might know the “hope of His calling” (Eph. 1:18).

When you pray, do you expect God to show you His hope for your life? God is always eager to make known the mystery of His will to everyone who asks.

“...pray at all times in the Spirit...” Ephesians 6:18