by Enoc Garcia, Washington Conference communication director
“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”
Ephesians 3:20–21, NKJV
When we pray, it is comforting to know that God hears us. He knows what we need, understands the desires of our hearts and is able to do everything we ask or even imagine.
That truth alone should give us peace.
But Paul does not stop there.
He tells us that God is able to do “exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think.”
Not just enough. More than enough.
Sometimes I like to picture what that might look like.
Imagine heaven’s boardroom. Your petition has been brought before the Godhead. Your request is heard. Your heart is understood. The case is considered.
Petition granted.
But then the conversation continues.
“Can we do more for this child?”
The Father leans forward and says, “Let’s not settle for enough. I want to give more than they imagined.”
The Son responds, “I want to bless them too. I love seeing their joy when My answer exceeds what they hoped for.”
And the Spirit says, “I’ll go beyond expectation. I’ll bring an answer they never saw coming.”
Of course, Scripture does not tell us that prayers are discussed in a literal heavenly boardroom. But Ephesians does reveal something very real about the heart of God: His ability is not limited by the size of our requests.
He can do more.
More than we ask.
More than we imagine.
More than we can see from where we are standing right now.
That does not mean God always answers prayer exactly the way we expect. Sometimes His “exceedingly abundantly” looks different from what we had in mind. His answer may come through a different door, on a different timeline or in a form we never would have chosen.
But His resources are never scarce.
His imagination is never exhausted.
His power is never running low.
So perhaps the invitation of Ephesians 3:20 is not simply to pray bigger prayers. It is to trust a bigger God.
Bring Him what is on your heart. Bring Him the impossible situation, the unanswered question, the dream you are almost afraid to say out loud.
Then leave room for God to surprise you.
Because the God we pray to is able to do exceedingly, abundantly, above all that we ask or think.
Reflection:
Where in your life do you need to trust God for more than you can imagine?
Prayer:
Lord, thank You that You are not a God of limits but a God of abundance. Help me trust Your heart, Your wisdom and Your power. Teach me to place my prayers before You and leave room for You to do more than I can imagine. Amen.