Perspectives

Ephesians 3:14-19… 14) For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15) from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16) I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17) so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18) 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, 19) and to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. (NIV)

When I think of the wisdom and superiority of God’s plan, I feel like falling on my knees in prayer before our Father in heaven. I think it is impossible for you and me to understand the full measure of God’s love for each and every one of us, whether here on earth or in heaven. God, out of His awe-inspiring, never-ending resources, desires to give you and me the inner strengthening of His Holy Spirit, to making His home in our hearts, and to live within us as we learn to trust in Him so that, at last, we will be filled up with God Himself … What an amazing truth!

The Bible teaches that we are to pray for all our daily needs. That is actually a pretty important order. An order that is not always that easy to fulfill, but it is an order nevertheless, a charge that is necessary if you and I want to live a noteworthy Christian life. Prayer is a source of power for the Christian because it is that personal link we have that allows us to communicate with our Heavenly Father through Jesus Christ our Lord.

The apostle Paul prayed people would receive that inner strength through prayer so that they/we might better discern the difference between what is right and wrong. Paul also directs our attention to Christ’s desire to fill us with the wisdom, which will help us to walk as Disciples of Christ

Prayer is powerful. As we exercise the power of prayer, we become aware that our conscience develops sensitivity towards the choices between right and wrong. Without prayer, it is possible for us to become so insensitive that we dull the prodding of the Holy Spirit within our heart and gradually we disregard that power which can keep us from yielding to temptation. And so an active prayer life will keep our consciences tender and alert.

Ever notice that we often know what is right, and really, we want to do what is right, but somehow our will to do the right thing is not strong enough to back that wisdom and to carry out those noble intentions. The reason is that the natural earthly nature in us, the conscience, and the spirit is being challenged by both good and evil. The strengthening of that inner force comes when Christ takes up his permanent residence in our hearts. So the secret of that strength is the very presence of Christ within our lives. Christ will never force his way in, but he will gladly come should we invite him into our heart.

The privilege of every believer is that we have within us the very power of Christ. God desires to pour His life into us so that we might have the strength to live life to the fullest. This is the mystery of Christ that many folks have a problem with. The greatest need for Christians everywhere is to be filled with his nature and character. We are to rise above the noise of this world and trust him who can keep us safe and secure, free from this world’s clatter. The power within us is Christ, therefore, He is able to do beyond all that we ask or think … prayer is one key component for tapping into that power.

Would you pray this prayer with me … “Lord Jesus, come into my heart. Forgive my sins. I want my life to change. My thoughts and my attitude need to change. I do not have the peace in my heart that I yearn for. I really want that peace, joy and happiness that will fulfill my heart’s desire. Please let the Holy Spirit help me be the kind of Christian that will honour Your Name.” Amen