Sadly, "I'm praying for you!" has become a cliche, even sarcastic reply to dismiss others' deepest concerns. It can be a way to end a conversation when what the other person is sharing with us has become too heavy. Or it can be a way to contemptuously dismiss an opponent on social media, declaring that they are beyond human help.
But in the Bible, the power of prayer -- which again, points to the power of our words -- is nothing short of incredible. People pray and seas divide, battles are won, the lame are healed, demons are cast out.
One of my favorite prayers is found in Ephesians 1:15-23, where Paul offers words of such depth and beauty for his friends that it puts most of my prayers to shame. In short, he prays for God to reveal himself more fully to them, in order "that they may know him better." (v. 17) He also prays that God will give them inner enlightenment, that he will help them to see with "the eyes of their heart." (v. 18) Finally, he asks that they will experience the same kind of power that God used to raise Christ from the dead. (vv. 19-20)
And aren't those things we all need -- to know God better, to better see and understand what is really happening around us, and to experience God's resurrection power in our daily lives? I know I do.
The next time you tell someone you're praying for them -- and of course there's nothing wrong with that, so long as you follow through! -- put their name in this prayer. Pray for them about what matters most.
