I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way. Ephesians 1:17-23 NIV

You’ve seen it on plaques, mugs, coffee cups and T-shirts. You’ve heard it said time and time again. It’s become a little trite, but it is nonetheless true: Prayer changes things.

Do you believe that today? Do you believe that your prayers truly affect change, rather than just reverb off the ceiling and hit you in the face? Paul certainly did. Paul advocated for prayer constantly in his writings, but in this passage we see why. He outlines at least three reasons.
First, Paul knew that prayer brings about wisdom and discernment in us. When we pray we are calling on the very presence and power of God to make a way where there is no way. The same God who parted the water, made the sun to stand still, and made the walls crumble is the same God who tears down every barrier to our vision and understanding. He is a good and gracious God who is quick to reveal wisdom and truth, for the sake of His glory, to all who ask.

Second, this passage shows us that prayer focuses our eyes on God. In our day-to-day it’s so easy to get stuck in the weeds. Life is demanding and exhausting at times, especially in this weird and wonderful Covid-19 season. But our fears are stilled, and our hearts are renewed when we fix our eyes on the Author and Finisher of our faith.

Finally, and yet most emphatically, Paul encourages prayer because of the power of God. Do you realize that the exact same power that defeated death, conquered sin, and raised Christ from the dead is the same power present when we pray? This power demolishes principalities that war against us when we call on the Mighty Name of Jesus. There is no greater power and no greater name to evoke. Christ is ultimate and supreme, and God has placed all things, from demonic powers to your car payment, under His feet. Big or small, the things that matter to you are the things that matter to God. He is listening, ready and waiting to act on your behalf; with His wisdom, in His time, to bring about the very best in your life to the glory of His great name.

Join with us today and pray for South from the Prayer Guide. You are also cordially invited to join the Watchmen Prayer Group via Zoom this evening.

By Sheila Rennau