We
often ask for strength to face difficult situations. But that strength cannot
be viewed as coming just from self. In Ephesians 3:14-19 the apostle Paul bows
his knees in prayer and desires that God grant his readers “to be strengthened
with power through his Spirit in your inner being.” This desire on his part has
the following
purposes in mind…
- · That Christ may dwell in their hearts by faith
- · That they may be rooted and grounded in love
- · That they together may know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge
- · That they may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Paul’s main concern for his brothers and sisters in Christ
was the condition of their inner being. That inner being needs to be
strengthened with power from the Spirit.
Taking this cue from Paul, would it make a difference for one
another in the body of Christ if we intentionally prayed for one another’s
inner being? This relates to spiritual strength that enables each one of us to
be able to experience the four purposes listed above.
Christ is dwelling in our hearts, and we pray for that for
each other. We are rooted and grounded in love, and we pray for that very thing
for one another. Together we comprehend the love of Christ that surpasses
knowledge, and we constantly pray for that. And, we pray that each other will
be filled with all the fullness of God.
As children of the heavenly Father, we bow the knee for one
another. How rich is this kind of prayer, and how extraordinary is this kind of
family where such concerns are mutually shared!
As a "transformational leader" like the apostle Paul, we understand the vital importance of others being strengthened in their "inner being." We desire to see Christ in others; we desire to see them rooted and grounded in love; we desire that they experience the love of Christ in ways unfathomable; and, we desire that they be filled to the fullest extent possible with God.
These four purposes are necessary for inward spiritual growth and strength. Being part of the family of God, the community of faith, enables us to pray this powerfully and passionately for others! May God give each one of us called to be a "transformational leader" the desire to bow our knees like Paul every day for other members of God's family!
In Christian
love, Curtis
