The Boldest, Brightest and Best Requests:
Establishing an Ephesians 3:20 Prayer List
“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,” Ephesians 3:20 is one of the most influential verses in the New Testament. It comforts and challenges the believer. The verse reminds us the awesome and infinite abilities of the Creator of the universe surpass our mental capacities of logic and imagination. Interestingly, He deposits that incredible power within each believer. From birth in which we are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:13-16), we are the gracious recipients of God’s creative power. However, we face the daily challenge of surmounting any fear that plagues us. Can we find the faith and trust to genuinely rely upon God in order to access and utilize this majestic and mysterious internal fortitude?
In the King James Version of the Bible, Ephesians 3:20 reads, “Now to Him who can do exceedingly abundantly more than we can ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.” The characterization, “exceedingly abundantly,” richly describes the abilities of the infinite architect of the universe. God’s only limitations are the ones He chooses to place upon Himself.
Periodically, I will remind us to establish an Ephesians 3:20 prayer list which contains our most amazing and outrageous requests. Ask God for the big things! Return to your childlike faith and boldly petition our Heavenly Father for your heart’s deepest desires, ambitions, and goals. Hopefully, we include spiritual and character items in addition to financial and material requests. Consider asking for total and permanent healing from every fear that plagues your life. Psalm 34:4 encourages and reassures us that unconditional freedom from fear is very possible. “I sought the Lord, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.” Perhaps, you suffer with mental, emotional and psychological scars of unresolved pain, grief, and guilt. Again, the psalmist empowers us with his favorable experience of God’s faithfulness. “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18) In saving us, the Lord does not simply rescue us from unfortunate circumstances but He uses those challenges to make us whole. Admittedly, the Psalter also says that the Lord owns the cattle on a thousand hills, as the earth is His and the fullness thereof. As a consequence, we can ask for manifestations of the universe’s superabundance in our lives as it relates to needs and wants. Nonetheless, I suggest that we write down very audacious prayer requests with dates. Practice developing communication and trust in Almighty God to progress towards an Ephesians 3:20 faith in which you do not question the ability of God to fulfill the promises of this verse in your life.
As always, Ephesians 3:20 faith necessitates practical application. Conquering fear requires daily facing our fears enroute to triumphing over them. The writings of Norman Vincent Peale recommend “Do the thing that you fear most and the death of fear itself is certain.” Facing Goliath is the first step towards defeating him. Acquiescing our fears to the point of paralysis never defeats them. Showing up for the fight often equates with ninety-five percent of the effort needed to win. I hasten to add that “binding and rebuking the devil” are not magical words that supernaturally resolve our fears and eliminate our problems. We balance faith and deeds as the book of James instructs believers. Should you need a financial blessing and greatly desire the Lord’s bountiful blessings over your finances, you may practically receive an answer to prayer through your faithful practice of better stewardship of your resources. As it relates to healing and miracles, they extend beyond physical challenges in which some believers want God to suspend natural law and supernaturally heal people of myriad sicknesses and diseases. An alcoholic who ceases drinking, finds God, commits to personal development and spiritual growth and serves Almighty God through practical service to humankind personifies a miracle. A reformed pathological liar who reaches back to repair the damage of her previous deceit and resolves to lead an honest life henceforth also represents a miracle. A thief who cooperates with law enforcement to prevent undeserving people from suffering lost of finances and property symbolizes a miracles. All of these persons receive continual healing as they maintain daily spiritual progress. Essentially, persistent practice of spiritual disciplines creates healing, miracles and wholeness within an interdependent relationship with Almighty God.
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