Ready:
“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened so that you may know what is the hope of his calling, what is the wealth of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the mighty working of his strength.” – Ephesians 1:18-19
Set:
When one of my sons was about five, my wife met me at the door as I arrived home from work one day. She told me that this son was having a rough day of disobedience. When I asked my son why he wasn’t doing what he was supposed to do, there was a moment of guilty silence. Then he said, “I just had trouble making myself be good today!”
We identify with this 5-year-old’s honest assessment. Whether in the context of competition or other areas, we can understand how Jesus wants us to speak, act or think—yet struggle to put this into practice. It feels like we can’t make ourselves be and do what we need to be and do.
Why do we have trouble? It’s the result of both the impact of sin on our hearts and the pressure around us to do something different than living for Christ. To overcome this internal and external resistance, we need power. Prayer for power must be part of our prayer practice plan. This is what Paul does in Ephesians 1:18-19, praying that we would access “the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the mighty working of his strength.”
Praying for power first involves recognizing we need God’s power. Consistently coaching, playing, and living for Christ in the face of resistance—both internal and external—requires more than our own best efforts. We need God’s power to enable us. When we place our faith in Christ, He resources us with His power. However, we won’t access His power until we recognize in prayer, “Lord, I need Your power.”
Second, we actively trust God’s power. The “immeasurable greatness of his power” and “the mighty working of his strength” is more than sufficient for us in every situation! Express trust in God’s power as you pray: “Lord, as I pray for Your power in this situation, I trust You to enable me to do all You desire—no matter what resistance I encounter.” Then let this expression of trust in God’s power compel you to take action consistent with how you prayed, being confident in God’s empowering step by step.
Go:
In what specific areas are you struggling to overcome internal or external resistance to living fully for Christ?
What steps can you take to more consistently practice praying for God’s power?
Workout:
Overtime:
“Lord, I praise You for the immeasurable greatness of Your power toward us who believe. Thank You that You generously empower me as I seek You. I pray for Your power so that I would live and compete for You today, no matter what resistance I encounter. In Jesus’ name, amen.”