#1437. Our prayers are fuelled by worship, and lead to worship (23/1/26)

Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional (posted, at present, every weekday) as we continue our Ephesians series: Ephesians - To the praise, for the purpose, in the power of God.

In our last reflection, we saw how God is forming us into a people of love — a community through whom the love of Jesus flows, as we ourselves experience the immeasurable love of God by the Spirit’s revelation.

Today, we see that Paul’s prayer overflows into praise  - a doxology - reminding us that worship always flows from prayer and that worship also grows our faith to pray big things 

To watch this devotional, please select the link below: 

1. God can do more than we can ask or imagine

Paul ends his prayer (3:14–19) by fixing our eyes on who God is. God is not limited by Paul’s weakness, his imprisonment, or the circumstances of the church. His confidence rests in the immeasurable power and generosity of God.

A true vision of God - as revealed in Scripture and creation - always leads to greater faith. Because God’s love and power are immeasurable, He can do immeasurably more than anything we could ask or even imagine.

2. Our expectations are shaped by God’s power at work in us

Paul is careful to say that God works:

This is resurrection power  - the Spirit’s power - already at work in believers. That power, combined with prayer, produces real transformation. Throughout this prayer, we’ve seen that God’s power:

• Strengthens and empowers us (v.16)

• Deepens our faith in Christ (v.17a)

• Grows love among us (v.17b)

• Enables us to experience God’s love (vv.18–19a)

• Leads us into maturity (v.19b)

• And does far more than we can ask or imagine (v.20)

Our hope for growth and renewal is not based on our ability, but on God’s resurrection power already at work in us. Therefore, we should pray boldly - for ourselves and for the church.

3. Worship is both the fuel and the fruit of faith

Paul ends with worship. True prayer always leads to praise, and true praise fuels prayer. When we encounter God, our hearts are reoriented — away from fear and toward trust — and we long for Him to receive all the glory, in His church and through all generations.

Response

Do we truly rest in — and rejoice in — God’s power?

The secret to joy and perseverance is knowing that God is able.Those who know God will pray, because they trust His power.Those who know God will worship, because they know He is worthy.

To Him be the glory — in the church and in Christ Jesus — for ever and ever. Amen.

Community Group Notes

1. Notices

It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News. 

2. Icebreaker

How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week, and how has this helped you? 

3. Worship together

Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.

4. Study and pray together

Balanced Time Allocation - Please ensure a balanced focus on discussion, SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite), and prayer so that each section is meaningful and fruitful.

On Sunday, we continued our new series entitled: Ephesians: to the praise, for the purpose, in the power of God. 

Please read Ephesians 3:14-21 and discuss:

• Personal Reflection – From Sunday’s message and this passage, what stood out to you? Was there anything the Spirit particularly impressed on your heart?

• One family, one identity - Paul speaks of the unity of all Christians—particularly Jews and Gentiles—through adoption into God’s family.

• Loving one another well - Paul prays that believers would be ‘rooted and established in love.’ In practical terms, how could we, as a CG, grow in love for one another?

• Learning to pray from Paul’s example - Ephesians 3:14–21 is a model prayer. What does this passage teach us about:

  • What we should pray for?

  • How our prayers should be shaped by who God is?

• God’s power at work in us - What do we learn here about God’s power and the work of the Holy Spirit in believers and in the church?

• Applying this to our prayer life - How might our personal prayers - and our prayers together as a CG and church - change if they more fully reflected the truths of this passage?

SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite)

• Power and unity -  From our text, what can we learn about God’s power and our loving unity in regard to mission? 

• Sharing Stories – Have you had any recent opportunities to Serve, Invest, or Invite someone toward Jesus? Let’s encourage one another by sharing stories of how we’ve seen God at work through simple faithfulness.

• Practical Next Steps – Who might God be placing on your heart at this time? Are there any “people of peace” (see note) in your life—those who seem open, welcoming, or receptive to spiritual conversation?

Let’s Pray Together

Let’s pray for one another in light of what we’ve studied and bring any other needs before God.

• Pray for courage, wisdom, and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit in our Serve, Invest, and Invite opportunities.

• Pray specifically for the ‘people of peace’ in our lives - that God would open hearts and deepen relationships.

• Ask God to work through us by His power, so that others may come to know Christ.