Unshakable: Understanding Our Authority in Christ (Week 1 Study)

Hello and welcome to week one of our six-week series, Unshakable!  I am so happy to have you here with me! Before we begin, grab something cozy to drink. I am sipping on an iced latte wrapped in my comfiest blanket while two sleepy dogs snuggle nearby. Settle in as we explore how to pray in God’s authority and discover why it makes all the difference.  

Have you ever felt stale in your prayer life? Maybe you’ve wondered if your prayers are aligned with God’s will? Or are you praying the right things? I have gone through times where my prayer list was more like a honey-do list of things for God to fix for me.  But I’m convinced that’s not what God wants for us or how he wants us to spend our time with him. So let’s turn to the place where we can find all of the answers, in scripture.

SCRIPTURES FOR THE WEEK

Because Jesus already defeated sin and darkness, we don’t beg for victory; we pray from the victory He’s won.

Luke 10:19 – I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.

You can find this cutie little print on my Etsy!

Let’s explore this scripture together. First, context matters, so let’s talk about who Jesus was speaking to here. Jesus had just sent out 72 disciples to preach, heal, and proclaim the kingdom of God (Luke 10:1-17). The disciples came back, amazed that even demons submitted to them when they spoke in Jesus’ name. Jesus promises that while His followers may face opposition or suffering, evil cannot ultimately destroy them or stop His mission. 

Jesus isn’t telling us to go looking for snakes; He’s saying that through Him we share in His victory over evil. The serpents and scorpions that Jesus is referring to symbolize demonic forces and anything the enemy uses to harm or intimidate. 

Ephesians 1:19-23 – and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ 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 name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way. 

Paul is praying that believers would know the hope, riches, and power they already have in Christ. He’s not asking for more power to be given, but for our eyes to be opened through the power that is already at work in us through Christ. That same power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work in every one of us who believes. Christ’s victory is shared with His body (the church), so His authority flows to and through His people.

PRAYING WITH AUTHORITY

Our spiritual authority, simply put, is that we are backed by Jesus’ victory. When we “pray in Jesus’ name,” it’s not just something we should say to close out our prayers; we are standing in the authority He gives, not from our own power, but His. (John 1:12) This will allow us to pray bold prayers with no fear, because an effective, authoritative prayer agrees with God’s Word and character. (1 John 5:14-15)  We can boldly ask for protection, freedom from oppression, and strength to overcome temptation, trusting Jesus has already defeated Satan and his power is at work in you and me to accomplish His purposes. (Colossians 2:15)

How can we pray with authority?

• Pray from Scripture (align with God’s Word)
• Pray in Jesus’ name (relying on His authority, not ours).
• Pray with confidence (trusting His finished work).

REFLECTION

Here are a couple of prompts that you can journal or comment on, or both! I’d LOVE to hear your thoughts on this and how you are standing in Christ’s authority this week in your prayers.

• What does praying in Jesus’ name look like beyond saying the words?
• Where do you need Christ’s authority to bring peace today?
• How does His victory give us confidence?

APPLICATION

This week, let’s focus on praying in our God-given spiritual authority. That means, we pray FROM victory, not for it! (Colossians 2:15) Our prayers carry authority when they agree with His will and His word. 

I encourage you to pray daily using Luke 10:19 as a declaration, like below. Speak it out loud.

Lord Jesus, I come to You in Your mighty name. 
You are King of kings and Lord of lords, and every fear must bow to You.

I declare that You are Lord over my mind – anxiety and worry have no place.
I declare that You are Lord over my body – sickness and weakness must yield to Your healing power.  
I declare that You are Lord over my family and relationships – strife and division are replaced by Your peace.
I declare that You are Lord over my future – uncertainty and doubt give way to Your perfect plan.

Your word says in Luke 10:19 that You have given me authority over all the power of the enemy. So I stand on Your victory at the cross and speak the name of Jesus over every challenge I face. 

Fear, leave in Jesus’ name.
Hope and courage rise in my heart.

Thank You, Lord, that you are faithful and that nothing can separate me from Your love.
I trust you completely and walk forward in Your strength and peace.

In the powerful name of Jesus, I pray, Amen.

See you back here next week, where we’ll discuss Praying the Word so we can be certain that our plans align with God’s will for us. Until then, be sure to share how you’re praying in Christ’s authority this week in the comments or on Instagram with the #UnshakablePrayer.