The Power of Prayer

Did you know that prayer doesn't just shape your spiritual life—it can improve your mental health too? Research shows that prayer may help reduce anxiety and depression by offering connection, emotional support, and a deeper sense of hope. For followers of Jesus, it also fuels spiritual growth. Prayer invites us into deeper relationship with God, gives direction, helps us resist temptation, aligns us with God’s will, and even works miracles. It also changes us, making us more like Jesus.

But let’s be honest—there are moments when prayer feels difficult. We don’t know what to say, or we forget what’s really important. In Ephesians 1:15–23, the Apostle Paul gives us a powerful blueprint for how to pray in a way that brings transformation. He begins with gratitude. Instead of launching into requests, Paul thanks God for the people in the church—for their faith and love. It’s a reminder to us that our walk with God is visible to others, and gratitude should be a regular part of our spiritual rhythm. Who are you thanking God for lately?

Next, Paul prays for revelation—for the believers to receive spiritual wisdom and insight. He’s not talking about gaining more knowledge for knowledge’s sake. The Greek word he uses, apokalypsis, means something hidden being uncovered. That kind of revelation comes only from God. Whether it’s through nature, Scripture, or even dreams and visions, God reveals Himself in ways that open our eyes and change our hearts. And through Jesus, God has given us the clearest picture of who He is and how much He loves us.

Paul also prays for the believers to have a confident hope. He asks that their hearts would be flooded with light so they can see the incredible hope they’ve been given. This isn’t wishful thinking—it’s a firm belief that God’s promises are trustworthy, even in the darkest moments. And here's a stunning truth: Paul says that you are God’s inheritance. You are a treasure to the King of kings. Are you seeing yourself that way? Sometimes all it takes is wiping off the screen, so to speak—removing the things that cloud our vision of God, ourselves, and others.

Finally, Paul ends by praying for God’s power—the same power that raised Jesus from the dead. That’s not a poetic metaphor; it’s a spiritual reality. That resurrection power is available to you. It can help you overcome addiction, forgive someone who hurt you, find freedom from lies, set boundaries, or finally deal with long-standing emotional wounds. As Father Gregory Boyle once said, “We don't have enemies, we have injuries… not hate, but wounds.” What could God’s power do in your life if you invited Him into your broken places?

So today, don’t just ask God to change your situation. Ask Him to reveal His power in it. Start with gratitude. Ask for revelation. Step into confident hope. And walk in resurrection power. You were never meant to stay stuck. You were meant to be made whole.