I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith (Eph. 3:16-17 NIV).

The Apostle Paul’s example encourages us to pray for the Holy Spirit to strengthen others. When others are strengthened by the Spirit through our prayers, our own hearts are encouraged and we become more aware of the power of prayer to build the community of faith that supports us. 

I have stood in pulpits with hopeful and supportive faces waiting to be fed with the Word of God. I have also stood facing suspicious and angry faces unwilling to hear anything I would say. 

I know that God’s Word can work in both, but I treasure the sense of soaring power that comes from evidence of supportive prayer for me from the congregation; and I know the sense of power being sapped from me by lack of support.

These differences remind me of Jesus’ lack of miracles due to the lack of faith from his hometown (Mark 6:5-6). Advancing God’s work is not just about praying for personal effectiveness, but praying for those around us – that God’s Spirit would strengthen them for his work and that his Son would indwell their hearts.

Such a shared spirit fuels the power of the church to shine God’s heart and to do his will. So, today, take a moment to pray that God’s Spirit would supply the strength of faith for those around you!

Prayer:
Father, today graciously supply me with the desire to pray that others would be strengthened by the Spirit and indwelt by Christ so that we all might be united in and equipped for your service.