Now to him who is able to accomplish far more than all we ask or imagine, by the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen Ephesians 3:20-21 NABRE
Paul has been teaching the community at Ephesus God’s plan. In hope that they might better understand he stops and prays in his writing. The prayer asks they be strengthened, that Christ dwell in their hearts, they comprehend, they know the love of Christ and the fullness of God. He closes out the prayer with the quoted verse which speaking to God is confident God is able to accomplish far more than asked or imagined. There is a power in us, the power of the Holy Spirit living in us through which God can grant these petitions. Paul continues; to Him be glory in the church. Glory when it is directed to God refers to praise and honor given to Him. In the church which is a community of those who have received God’s grace, we are returning thanks and praise and honor to God. Paul seeks glory in Christ Jesus for all generations. Christ glorified God when He walked the earth doing God’s will and laying down His life for the Father. Christ continues to glorify God when He acts on behalf of the Body of Christ, the church, answering prayer offered in His name. The church gives glory to the Father when in union with Christ, she does the Father’s will. Paul declares God will receive glory in the church and in Christ to all generations, forever and ever, meaning through all human history as long as there is a church with Christ as the head and we as the body.
Paul knows that it is through God that all is done and so he is pointing to God and giving God glory for the growth of the movement.
What do you think of Paul’s prayer? Do you see other church leaders putting their faith in God through prayer?
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