Praying Bigger Prayers: Stepping Out of the Faith Hula Hoop

For the past few weeks, we’ve been in a series on the power of prayer. Today, I want to wrap up that journey by sharing something that has been working deeply in my own heart: the challenge to pray bigger prayers.

When I read Paul’s words in Ephesians 3:14–21, I hear more than theology—I hear the heartbeat of a man who believed that God was capable of doing immeasurably more than anything we could ask or imagine. And it made me ask myself a tough question: Am I praying in a way that reflects the bigness of God?

When Safe Prayers Limit a Big God

I’ll be honest with you—sometimes, I pray “safe” prayers. Prayers that fit within the borders of what I think God might do. Prayers that make sense to me. Prayers that don’t stretch my faith too much because I want to see results, and quickly.

But as I read through Ephesians 3, it struck me: many of us pray within our “faith hula hoop.” We stay in this comfortable circle, asking for things we believe are within reach. And while there’s nothing wrong with praying for daily needs, I realized we often avoid the kinds of prayers that only God could accomplish.

Paul wasn’t afraid of those kinds of prayers. He prayed for things so spiritually deep—strength in the inner being, Christ dwelling in us, being rooted in love—that you and I can’t make happen on our own. Only God can do that.

Posture Matters—Spiritually and Physically

Paul begins his prayer by saying, “For this reason I kneel before the Father.” That posture caught my attention.

There’s no “correct” way to pray physically—throughout Scripture, people pray standing, lying down, sitting, and kneeling. But Paul’s kneeling wasn’t about tradition—it was a reflection of his heart. He was humble before God. And I think our posture, both physical and spiritual, should sometimes reflect the seriousness of what we’re asking God to do.

It made me evaluate my own prayer habits. Like many of you, I often pray at the end of the day in bed. And let’s be real—how many of us have started a prayer and ended with snoring? Our posture sometimes works against our intention. Maybe it’s time we get back on our knees—literally or figuratively—to remind ourselves of who we’re talking to.

We Don’t Pray Alone

Paul reminds us in verse 15 that the family of God—both in heaven and on earth—is part of this prayer journey. My prayers are not just about me. They’re not even just about the people in my pew. They’re about the body of Christ worldwide.

That truth has been powerful for me during this season of prayer for our eldership. We’ve been lifting up our current leaders and asking God to reveal the men who will shepherd us into the future. And I truly believe that those prayers won’t just impact Ninth Avenue—they could ripple out into the world.

Leadership affects discipleship, and discipleship multiplies. What we pray for here in our small town could lead to souls being reached across continents. That’s not exaggeration—it’s the beauty of God’s kingdom. Big prayers have global impact.

Paul’s Three Requests—and Our Challenge

Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 3 includes three powerful petitions that I believe we should echo in our own lives:

1. Strength in Your Inner Being

Paul doesn’t pray for numbers, buildings, or budgets. He prays for strength—for inner transformation. That’s where real church growth begins. If we want revival, it starts with individuals being strengthened by the Holy Spirit, trusting God enough to step out of our comfort zones.

2. Let Christ Dwell in Your Heart

Paul wants Jesus to dwell in us—not just visit occasionally. That word “dwell” implies comfort, permanence, and vulnerability. When someone dwells in your home, they see you at your best and worst. Are we willing to let Jesus dwell in us in that way? To see our mess and still remain? That’s where transformation begins.

3. Be Rooted and Established in Love

Finally, Paul prays that we would be rooted in love—wide, long, high, and deep love. A love that surpasses knowledge. Love that fuels how we treat one another and how we reach the world.

This is especially relevant in a culture that constantly tells us to pick sides. I’m choosing the love of Jesus. That’s the side I want to stand on every time.

The Result? Praise

Paul ends this prayer the way we all should: with praise. “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine…” (Eph. 3:20). When we pray big, God shows up even bigger. And that should always lead us back to worship.

So here’s what I’m asking of you this week—pray boldly.
Start by asking God to transform your heart. Let Christ make your heart His home. Invite the Spirit to give you strength. And root your life in love.

Then, take a moment to praise Him for all He’s already done—for the “immeasurably more” you’ve seen in your own life.

What’s Your Bold Prayer?

So I’ll end the way I ended the sermon:

What is your bold prayer?

Not the one that fits inside your faith hula hoop. The one that sounds too big. Too impossible. Too much for you—but not too much for God.

Pray it anyway.
And then praise Him in advance.

He’s ready. The only question is: Are we?