PRAYER AND RESULTS

Ephesians 1:15-23 challenges us to practice "mature prayer.” Let’s pursue that idea.

My point is that, as Paul prayed for a high-impact work of God among the Ephesians—an exhibition of immeasurably great divine power (1:19)—he did so as an apostle in chains (6:20). He desired grand transformation for them while enduring miserable affliction himself. His ambitious prayers did not yield relief for his own wrenching trials.

A simplistic reading of the Bible’s prayer promises can be dangerous. “Ask and it will be given to you…” (Matt 7:7). “Whatever you ask in my name, I will do it, that the Father may be glorified in the Son” (John 14:13; cf. Mark 11:24; 1 John 3:22; 5:14-15; etc.). Are these blanket promises? No.

Prayer is not a switch: flip the switch, get what you want (remember 2 Corinthians 12:7-10). The Lord intends us to live with affliction, at least on some level; he doesn’t promise trouble-free living. There’s a cross to bear (Luke 9:23; cf. Romans 8:17; 2 Timothy 3:12). We’re to follow in the steps of the suffering Christ (1 Peter 2:21).

Keeping these texts in balance, in tension, takes a measure of spiritual maturity. It would be easy to fall into triumphalism (ask and it’s yours!) or defeatism (sorrow is my lot in life!). Spiritual maturity avoids both errors. Think of Heb­rews 13:3 and 5 (almost back to back): God will never leave us, yet some of us end up in prison for our faith!

Think of it this way: when you pray and ask the Lord for anything at all, he’ll either give you what you ask for or something better. And he’ll define “better” and act for your good in his time! Mature prayer is at peace with this.