I am writing this devo from a packed airplane. It was snowing, windy, and cold when we took off, but we’ll land in seventy-degree weather. After speaking at a church, I’ll get back on a plane and return to the cold. Life is a bit like my travels over the next couple of days. Some circumstances bring the blowing cold; others bring the warm sunshine. Thankfully, fresh starts are not dependent on surrounding conditions. Fresh starts result from the state of my heart.

Today, I want to share a powerful prayer with you. This prayer reminds us that our strength comes from God’s riches. Our “inner being,” our soul, is empowered by the Spirit. The knowledge of Christ’s love keeps us rooted and grounded and “filled with the fullness of God.” Fresh starts are not dependent on today’s situations. Rather, they come from the inside out.

Let’s read Paul’s prayer from Ephesians 3 and pray through the verses together. 

Ephesians 3:14-19
For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Today’s passage is a power prayer. Reread Paul’s request, then use the following breakdown to guide you in a conversation with the Father.

The Spirit’s Strength and Power— “strengthened with power through his Spirit…”
Lord, I admit my utter inability to accomplish anything worthwhile on my own. I ask for your strength that comes from the Holy Spirit living within me. Today, let me experience the power of resisting temptation and honoring you with obedience.

Christ’s Personal Dwelling— “that Christ may dwell in your hearts…”
Lord Jesus, thank you for living in me. That truth amazes me! Help me experience my relationship with you today in a real and intimate way.

Grounded— “being rooted and grounded in love…”
Lord, help me do the things I need to do today that will enable me to be “rooted and grounded in love.” Give me the desire to read your Word, communicate with you throughout the day, and apply your instruction in the various areas of my life.

Fellowship— “with all the saints…”
I know that the Christian life is not to be lived solo. Help me to have an encouraging spiritual conversation today with another believer.

Awareness of your love— “know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge…”
Lord, I admit that I go through days busily involved in so many things that I am not conscious of the ways you demonstrate your love for me. Help me to grasp the vastness of your great love demonstrated by Jesus.

Filled— “filled with all the fullness of God.”
Father, my life is filled with all kinds of temporal things. Help me be filled up with you. Today, help me experience you in your fullness. Open my eyes, and let me see you at work in my life.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.