Praying to the God of Immeasurably More
Praying for you to the God who does immeasurably more than we ask or imagine.
I sent this message to a friend with the assurance we serve and pray to the God of immeasurably more.
Immeasurably More
Because this particular Scripture is one of my favorites:
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21, NIV)
Google tells us immeasurably means, “to an extreme or extensive degree; immensely.” And defines more as “a greater or additional amount or degree.” Therefore, it’s doubled in degree and greatness and amount.
Far More Abundantly
I also like how the ESV states it.
“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21)
Again, according to Google, abundantly means “in large quantities; plentifully.”
And so we conclude these things about God’s ability:
*Extreme or extensive.
*Greater and additional amount.
*Large, plentiful quantities.
Kneeling and Praying
But what does it mean for us and praying? Also, what comes before verse 20 in chapter 3 of Ephesians causing the Apostle Paul to began with Now?
In the preceding verses, Paul offers a prayer for the Ephesians:
“For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 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. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 3:17-19, NIV, Emphasis mine)
Because of God’s Glorious Riches
Further, Paul reminds us that because of God’s glorious riches, power, Spirit, love, and Christ in our hearts; we are filled with the fullness of God. These are all the reasons Paul uses to lead up to verses 20-21 when he says, “Now.”
So here are 4 ways Ephesians 3:10-21 encourages us in our Now:
(1.) We pray to a God who is able. He is able to do all things—anything and everything.
(2.) God does immeasurably more. He does far more abundantly than all we ask or think or imagine—to a greater degree and plentiful. Because God provides all His glorious riches to us.
(3.) God’s power is at work within us. When Jesus Christ reigns in our hearts, and the Holy Spirit dwells in our spirit, God’s power is alive and well inside us! Hallelujah!
(4.) God deserves the glory. Notice how Paul says to let God be glorified in both the church and in Christ Jesus. Giving God His deserved glory begins with us, and carries on throughout all generations and forever.
Praying in Our “Now”
What are you praying for now? What aspect of God’s glorious riches do you currently need? Is it mercy, love, grace, peace, healing, comfort, strength or something else? What immeasurably more do you need right now?
Brothers and sisters, we pray to Him who is able to do immeasurably and abundantly more than we ever imagine in our human minds and limitations!
Brothers and sisters, we pray to Him who is able to do immeasurably and abundantly more than we ever imagine in our human minds and limitations! #pray #blog Click To Tweet*Sometimes I participate in these link-ups:
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© 2019 by Karen Friday, All rights reserved
This passage is one of my favorites to pray through. I enjoyed how you walked us through it bit by bit and dug deeper into the definitions. To God be the glory; great things He has done!
Amen, Jana! The Ephesians passage helps us know God’s ability, without a doubt, is:
*Extreme or extensive.
*Greater and additional amount.
*Large, plentiful quantities.
Makes me what to shout! Thanks for commenting!
Great encouragement for all of us. He is able to do so much more than we ever imagine.
When Jesus Christ reigns in our hearts, and the Holy Spirit dwells in our spirit, God’s power is alive and well inside us! Hallelujah! He is able, Yvonne. Thank you, friend…for everything.
I like how this post comes after the world’s attack against your social media accounts, Karen. We might take comfort in or rely on numbers in our ministry but God doesn’t need numbers. He multiplies our work for Him in ways we can’t imagine and may never see. What an amazing God we serve. What an amazing promise.
“Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever.” 1 Timothy 1:17
Agree 100%, Stephen. God is faithful who called us into fellowship with His Son. (1 Corinthians 1:9) God never needs numbers or even social media accounts! He’s CEO of me and my ministry, in charge and control. He is the King eternal and forever reigns over any authority on this earth, including big tech companies. I love that verse in 1 Timothy and used it last week on my post about God’s attributes to celebrate. Appreciate your kindness and encouragement in my current situation. I praise and trust the God who is able to do all things.
I love that I saw this early in the morning. What powerful reminders to start the day. alruensparks.net
So glad this encouraged you, Lauren. God does far more abundantly than all we ask or think or imagine—to a greater degree and plentiful. Because God provides all His glorious riches to us.
Well Ms. Karen. When attempting to share via Twitter, it tells me “Account Has Been Suspended.” I could only reply with “The truth hurts does it there Twitter?” Great post ma’am. Truth spoken in love. Well done author!
J.D., you are a great encourager! So appreciate your support. Yes, my account was suspended yesterday. They only suspend accounts that go against a spam policy or if it’s abusive, harassment, etc. We both know none of that is true. I have appealed and praying to have it restored. In the meantime, like Jesus modeled, I continue to entrust myself to the one who judges justly. (1 Peter 2:23) In the end, thankful we pray to the God of immeasurably more! Blessings!
What comfort to know we can pray to Him at any time about anything. He is always listening and ready to share conversation with us.
Yes, Melissa! What a privilege to pray to the God who is able, provides from His glorious riches, and fill us up to the fullness of himself!
That verse from Ephesians was the scripture theme of this summer’s VBS! Yes, God can do so much more than we could ever ask for or imagine. To Him, be all the power and the glory!
Blessings, Karen, and thanks for another inspirational post!
Hey Martha, I remember your blog article about Virigina Rose at VBS, but not sure I knew the Ephesians Scripture was the theme! How wonderful! Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that Martha asks or thinks, according to the power at work within her, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
A great post, thanks! I caught myself praying throughout the post!
Thank you, Beth. May Ephesians inspire us all to pray more to the God of immeasureably more!
Love this verse. Praise to the God who is able to do immeasurably more!
I know, Mandy! Isn’t this passage of Scripture so powerful and comforting and shouting material?! Praise is definitely in order!
Karen, such a beautiful and encouraging exposition on this wonderful prayer from Ephesians. Thank you!
Hi Pam, thank you. I decided not to look at commentaries, although I love Matthew Henry. Not even the Blue Letter Bible about meanings of words in Hebrew. I resolved to only look at the literal meanings of these words in our English language and let that lead the way for unpacking it. Praying for your husband and you to the God who is able!
Your post really encouragedme today. Thank you!
So glad to hear, Ava. Let God be glorified in both the church and in Christ Jesus.
We do love a God of abundance. This prayer from Ephesians is one of my favorites. Thank you for making me think of it again!
Awesome, Laurie! May the Lord remind our hearts often! “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.” (Ephesians 3)
What an amazing God we serve! And how wonderful that He fellowships with us if we will let Him and that He loves us. I think we would be amazed if some big Hollywood star wanted to be our friend. But God is far greater than any person. He’s supernatural. He’s the creator of everything. There is no problem too great for Him. He can do immeasurably more than we could ever ask or think. And this God loves and cares for us. Amazing!
It’s amazing and mind-blowing, Anneliese! I hope we don’t lose the truth and power behind Ephesians 3:20-21 because we are familiar with it. Lord, open our eyes to the wonder of your Word and these words: “I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 3)
I think it’s so powerful to remember how God can do abundantly more than what we ask or imagine. I truly believe He desires to do so to bring His Name glory and show us how much He loves us. It is a reminder for me to pray boldly!
Amen, Emily. When God does abundantly more, there is no doubt it is God doing the work, how He is the Most High God, and so He receives the deserved glory. Oh, how He loves us!
This is SO good, Karen. I pray in so many different ways, like a never-ending conversation with God, but it’s important that it not feel “rote.” It’s sometimes a challenge to stop and bring all my focus to God, BUT that’s the whole point: God is EVERYTHING and the center of our lives. I hope my prayers reflect this.
Great point, Jessica. God IS the center of our lives. So I like the thought of how your prayer is a never-ending conversation with God…that’s a good thing…”pray without ceasing.” Yet, we do want to focus on who God is and His immeasurably more.
Just sitting here soaking in the lovely truth about God.
So blessed!
Grateful this blessed you, Michele. And soaking in truth about God…yes! I want to do that more!
Amen-Amein Hallelujah and Maranatha Praise Christ-Messiah Jesus-Yeshua for Today and Everyday Forevermore Everyone!!
Love Always and Shalom ( Peace ), YSIC \o/
Kristi Ann
Some great reminders for me–right when I need them. Thanks so much, Karen, for your faithful encouragement! God bless!
Love this, Karen! How often I need to be reminded of God’s “abundantly.” I love your definition of abundantly —it gives such clarity on not only God’s power in our lives, but His heart for His children. Thank you for sharing!!!
Thanks, Lisa. So grateful for God the Father’s heart for us and how it’s seen in our lives abundantly…“in large quantities; plentifully.”
I love the reminder that God is able! I forget that so often and I think I should be doing all the things. But I need to trust in His ability instead of my own!
That’s a key truth, Rebecca. We do often trust in our own ability and what we can accomplish in our own strength, talent, and so on. But oh how freeing it is to really trust in God’s ability that is without limit!
What a great reminder of the importance, blessings, and value of prayer. What a privilege we have to come into that throne room of grace!
Amen, Donna. It’s not only a powerful thing to pray to the Most High God, but to also remember our privilege to enter the throne room! God. Is. Able.
“Immeasurably more” is one of my very favorite phrases in the Bible! This truth is simply astounding. Thanks for sharing it here again, Karen. May it never get old to us or lose its meaning.
Hey Lisa, I agree, we need to guard against losing sight of God’s immeasurably more. Instead, may the Lord remind us of His power and the power working within us. And of course, to Him be the glory!
Such a beautiful passage and powerful prayer! We can pray this for anyone and everyone in our lives, for our family, for our brothers and sisters in Christ. Paul prayed this prayer for the believing church in Ephesus and surrounding region. In doing so, he gave us this great prayer. Thank you for reminding us and for emphasizing the significance of these powerful words of prayer.
Melinda, it is a wonderful prayer to pray over our friends and loved ones and ourselves. That Christ reigns in our hearts, and the Holy Spirit dwells in our spirit as we are rooted and established in love.