May 27, 2024
Melissa Valerio
Have you ever been in a situation where someone offered to buy you lunch and because you had a good bit of sense, you knew not to pick the most expensive item on the menu? Because that would be rude! They’re already picking up the tab, the last thing you want to do is take advantage of their kindness and generosity. That’s a sensible approach. But I think that can be our prayer life sometimes, too. We sort of “hold back” our true requests because we don’t want it to be “too much” for God. Or maybe it’ll look too selfish or unimportant. But one thing I love about God is, nothing is unimportant to Him. And….well, He said we can ask, so, let’s ask!
In Ephesians 3:20-21, Paul says this: “Now glory be to God, who by His mighty power at work within us is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of—infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes. May He be given glory forever and ever through endless ages because of his master plan of salvation for the Church through Jesus Christ.” (TLB) Did you see that? Far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of. That’s like asking your child to clean their room and they clean the entire house. God is powerful, and that power is working within you and me. Because of His master plan of salvation (v. 21), His power is already working in and through us to accomplish that goal. He can do far more than what we ask or don’t even know to ask. God can save us from things working against us that we don’t even know about. He answers prayers we haven’t even prayed yet. He is able to do far more than we can imagine or think to ask for. How do we know His power is already in us? Here’s the proof:
1. His power is transforming us. Remapping our thinking and changing our character
2. His power enables us to do things we’d never be able to do without Him (share the gospel, forgive offenders, put others first)
3. His power sustains us during difficult times
This is clear evidence that God’s Spirit is working within us. And since His Spirit is working through us, our hopes, desires, thoughts, and wishes are aligning with His hopes, desires, thoughts, and wishes. So, let’s go ahead and pray those bold prayers — they’ll already be in accordance with what He’s doing and part of His great master plan of salvation.
Prayer: Almighty God, what an honor it is to be able to come to You with our requests. Thank You for putting Your Spirit in us and enabling us to do what You have called us to do. You said we have not because we ask not. Give us the courage to ask You for the things we need and desire. And as always, may Your will be done in all things. In the blessed name of Your son, Amen.
Action: In Luke 11:5-10, Jesus tells the story of a shameless man who asks his friend for bread at an ungodly hour. This is the man that would have ordered the most expensive item on the menu and have no second thoughts about it. The next time we pray, let’s be that man and make that audacious request that’s really on our hearts. Chances are, it’s on God’s heart too.
image: freepik.com