The third thing the Lord gives us is competence through “his incomparably great power for us who believe.”.

No one wants to feel like a klutz, a failure, a dummy. We either strive to be good at something, or we withdraw into the vague comfort of mediocrity and seek to ignore this desire for competence. But you, Lord God, have given us the potential for competence in granting us your “incomparably great power for us who believe.” What you have given us in power is not something minor: “That power is like the working of his mighty strength which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come” (Eph 1:19-21).

Plus you have given each of us natural abilities and spiritual gifts with which to utilize your strength. We can draw on your power, joining you in prayer, in knowledge and implementation of your Word, in loving one another, in building each other up, in being diligent workers, creative parents, gracious spouses, faithful friends, loving neighbors, wise counselors, loyal citizens, effective witnesses, fruitful church members…and the list goes on. You not only give us commands, but the power to carry them out.

Yes, you, Lord God, have thought of everything and provided everything we need. In you we belong, we have worth, we have competence. We have what all people long for. We thank you, we praise you, we glorify you for your wonderful love and grace and goodness demonstrated in this. Truly you are worthy of our worship and we give it to you today.