The “Pauline” Prayers
The “Pauline” Prayers
Praying the “Word” is one of the most effective ways to pray. Throughout the Epistles Paul prayed for those to whom he was writing. Called the “Pauline” prayers, these passages of scripture focus on God’s will for all believers. As a believer confesses them two things happen; 1) as that Word is spoken over and over again, revelation of the Truth of the Word begins to drop into the heart of the believer, and, 2) as a result of that revelation, the person’s life begins to be transformed into the very image of the Word being spoken. Whether you are speaking these prayers over yourself or others, it is a powerful way to grow in the Lord.
Ephesians 1:17–21 (NLT)
17 asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom* and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. 18 I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance.*
19 I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power 20 that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms. 21 Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come.
Confession:
I ask and thank you God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ for giving me spiritual wisdom and insight so that I grow in my knowledge of You. I thank you that my heart is flooded with light and I understand the confident hope You have given to those You called, Your holy people who are your rich and glorious inheritance. I also thank You that I understand the incredible greatness of Your power for those who believe in You. It is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated Him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms. He is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else – not only in this world but also in the world to come.
Ephesians 3:16–20 (NLT)
16 I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. 17 Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. 18 And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. 19 May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
20 Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.
Confession:
I pray and thank You Heavenly Father that from Your glorious, unlimited resources You empower me with inner strength through Your Spirit. I thank You that Christ makes His home in my heart as I trust in Him. My roots grow down into God’s love and keep me strong. I have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high and deep Your love is. I experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. I am made complete with the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Now all glory to You, God, who is able through Your mighty power at work within me to accomplish infinitely more than I might ask or think.