This current season has been a difficult one for me professionally. I have had to navigate some unusual situations, as I work with and for people that are also my friends, not just co-workers, who are in unsettled seasons themselves. My faith has helped me say yes to new opportunities, let go of some familiar tasks and mentor others to take them on, and say no when led to do so by the Spirit.
This year, I have been studying and working through the book of Ephesians with a small group of women at my church, and the passage written by Paul in Ephesians 3:14 – 21 recently came to mind to pray over my co-workers.
Because sometimes we feel helpless to do anything, but prayer is always the most important action we can take for those we care about.
Together, let's take a closer look at these verses, and why they are great ones to pray for others you may know who are going through a difficult time or circumstance.
For this reason I kneel before the Father, (vs 14, referring back to vs 13 “I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.”)
Because Paul doesn't want other believers to become discouraged by his situation, he lifts them to God in prayer. He is concerned for the well being of those he cares for.
(the Father) from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. (vs 15)
Paul recognizes that we are all God's children, regardless of where we live. We are united by our Maker, who has made each and every person on this earth, some of whom now reside in heaven with Him. From this perspective, everyone we meet is technically family, whether they know God or not.
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. (vs 16-17a)
This first blessing invites God to strengthen the one Paul is praying for right into their innermost being, and that they would accept Jesus and all the richness the gift of salvation can release into their life.
And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. (vs 17b-19)
These next verses are filled with the many ways Paul prays blessing over the one he is lifting to God in prayer:
1. that they would be rooted (a deep planting) and established (visibly growing) in love.
2. that they would have power along with all God's redeemed children
3. that with that power they would be able to grasp, to hold onto tightly, the depths of the love they can have in Christ
4. that they can know this love that is far greater than just knowledge
5. that they would be completely filled up with all God has for them.
Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, (vs 20)
And now that Paul has blessed the one who he is lifting up in prayer, he reminds us here that God is MORE THAN ABLE to do way more than we can think up or ask of Him, and that He is able to do His work through us!
to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. (vs 21)
In this verse, Paul blesses God and prays that He would receive the glory from His children from every generation to ever come, past, present and future! Paul prays that the God He is asking to do all the blessing would Himself be blessed by both the results and the praise of the ones He is blessing!
Taking a closer look at this passage reminds me of a few key things we can take to implement in our own prayers for those we care about.
Invite God into their situation if they are a follower of His.
Invite God to reveal Himself to them if they are not yet believers.
Pray for them to be strengthened beyond what they are capable of on their own.
Ask God to help them discern truth, not just the knowledge they need in their current situation.
Ask God to bless them in any way He wants to - whether it's the gift of presence, wisdom, provision, etc.
Taking this to God in Prayer:
God, I don't always know how to pray for my co-workers, especially the ones who don't know You. Thank You for giving us so many examples on how to pray for others in Your Word. May I never forget that the two main roles I have as Your daughter are to praise You and lift my loved ones and any concerns to You in prayer. You remind us that You are able to do way more than we can ever dream up or come up with on our own when we bring situations and people to You in prayer, and invite You to move in them. To You be all the glory, always. In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.
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