Empowered

EMPOWERED

a prayer to open

Here I am, Lord. Remind me who I am.

I am loved. I am known. I belong to you.

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 that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms. 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. God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church. And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself.

The power of God is active today in and for us who believe in Jesus. And although most of us would assent to this truth, we don’t live as though it’s true. We are more likely to feel overpowered than empowered. We are more likely to act out of fear than wholehearted love. We are more likely to act with caution and rationality than with bold faith. What would it mean to live as though the power of God is a force at work in the world, in our hearts, and in the church? What would it mean for us to know that on our own we can’t love our enemies, forgive those who hurt us, or resist all that tempts us away from centering our lives on Christ but that with and in the present, active power of God, we can do these things and more? What if our eyes were open to the truth that Christ fills all things everywhere with himself?

• In what area of your life do you feel powerless? Perhaps it’s a sin pattern or temptation, a fear, certain circumstances, or a past experience or hurt. What would need to happen for you to overcome whatever you identified? For example, does a desire need to be changed or transformed? Do you need peace or courage? Do you need the ability to forgive where you’ve been unable to so far?
• How might you invite the power of God—the same power that raised Jesus from the dead and that is available to you through Christ—into wherever you are currently struggling? What bold prayer would you pray if you believed in the presence of this power?
• Take a moment to quiet yourself in God’s loving presence. Ask him to open your eyes and heart to the ways he wants you to live more fully into the truth that you have been empowered by the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him at God’s right hand. What did God bring to mind?

Father, thank you for the breadth of the truth in this passage. Thank you that Jesus rules over all authorities and powers. Remind me of this when I drift into believing that politicians and governments have final authority. Open my eyes to your reign and your presence here on earth through the body of Christ, his church. Empower me, Father, to overcome all fear and temptation so I can be free to love and live for your name and glory. Strengthen my heart and mind so I can extend your grace and love to a thirsty soul today. Use me for your purposes with your strength to make your love known. Amen.