Main Reference: Ephesians 3:17

Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians isn’t just for inner strength to endure when they suffer. The Spirit’s strengthening transforms them so that “Christ may dwell in [their] hearts through faith” (3:17). Notice that Paul isn’t praying for Christ to come into believers’ hearts, as He does at salvation. Instead, he prays that Christ would be at home in the core of their being. This fits not only with the way the Bible understands the heart, but also with Jesus’ promise of His presence (Mt. 28:20). 

Put another way, Paul is saying that the more the Spirit empowers their lives, the more they will ‘grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, that is, Christ’ (Ep. 4:15). Jesus’ lordship will be established more and more in their lives. And with Christ enthroned as King in their hearts, the kingdom’s borders grow, too, so that his righteous rule can extend through their lives into their families and communities.

Our prayers for others, then, are not just prayers for personal transformation, although that’s crucial. As we become like Jesus, we increasingly act in the world as Jesus would, transforming our relationships and communities. That very thing happened, as the early Christians amazed their pagan neighbors with their love not only for their own but for all. And that’s where Paul’s prayer goes next.