What's the greatest thing we can do to bless those we love in Christ Jesus? What is the most helpful thing we can do when a brother or sister in Christ, or even a whole congregation of God's people, faces major challenges from the Evil One? What is one of the greatest gifts we can give our children, parents, and close friends as they seek to live for Jesus today? In these verses, the apostle Paul showed us how to ask God to strengthen his people with the presence and power of the Holy Spirit in their inner being. Then, he told them what he prayed. We can pray this prayer for those we love, too. Then, we can let them know that we have prayed this prayer for them and will continue to pray until their storms are passed.

Gracious God and Almighty Father, please bless... (mention several people specifically by name as you pray) with your power and presence through the Holy Spirit. I will continue to do all I can to encourage and strengthen them, but I believe that they need your Spirit's power far more than anything I could do for them. Thank you for hearing my prayer in Jesus' name. Amen.