His Power within You
Therefore we always pray for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling and with power fulfill all your good desires and works done by faith, so that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
- 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12
This letter to the church at Thessalonica is written by Paul, but the apostle includes Silas and Timothy as co-authors. They are the “we” referred to in verse 11, who have been praying for the church. And we would all certainly like to be prayed for this way! Paul’s testimony is that he and his friends are asking for members of a distant church to find favor in the eyes of God and become witnesses of His power to others.
What’s important is why Paul, Silas, and Timothy are praying that way. They understood that when God’s people are blessed and are blessings to others, that He is glorified. God receives glory whenever His essential qualities - His love, His might, His power - are evident to mankind. So when we ask God to be glorified in us, or when others pray that He would be glorified in us, the prayer is that God’s essence be obvious in our lives.
Contrast some of the prayers you have probably heard—and may have prayed yourself—with this one. Consider the language Paul used: “that our God would… with power fulfill all your good desires and works done by faith…” The same power of God that created the worlds, that rescued you from sin and that resurrected Jesus from a borrowed tomb is available to fulfill all your good desires and works done by faith. This is not mealy-mouthed, wishy-washy, if-it-be-Thy-will kind of prayer. This is calling upon God to be glorified in the lives of His servants, and for it to happen in an undeniable and unstoppable manner.
That’s the way I want people to pray for me, and that’s the way I want to pray for you: “God, count them worthy of their calling, and with power fulfill all their good desires and works done by faith, so that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in them, and them in You, according to the grace of God and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Lord, enlighten my mind with truth, inflame my heart with love, inspire my will with courage, enrich my life with service. Pardon what I have been, sanctify what I am, and order what I shall be. Amen.
Further Reading
- 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12
- Genesis 45:13
- Revelation 12:11
