Wednesday, October 28, 2026

Two hundred 'cruise for life' passengers stranded in Cambodia

 More than 200 passengers leave Villa Vie Residences’ Odyssey in Sihanoukville after the company suspends Cambodia operations and cites surging fuel costs.

Two hundred 'cruise for life' passengers stranded in Cambodia

Villa Vie Residences' cruise ship Odyssey is seen docked at Sihanoukville port in Preah Sihanouk province on Oct 28, 2026.

More than 200 passengers leave Villa Vie Residences’ Odyssey in Sihanoukville after the company suspends Cambodia operations and cites surging fuel costs.

SIHANOUKVILLE: Around 200 passengers who paid to live on a cruise ship while travelling the world were abruptly left in a Cambodian port after the company ran out of money, an official said on Wednesday (October 28th, 2026).

US-based operator Villa Vie Residences announced on Tuesday it had "suspended operations in Cambodia" as it worked to address "extraordinary increases" in fuel costs following the Iran war.

The 200m Odyssey left Northern Ireland in October 2024 for a continuous voyage for which residents could buy or rent rooms for a holiday or for life - some passengers selling everything they had to pay for it.


However, passengers were given just seven hours to pack their bags and leave during a scheduled stop in the Cambodian port of Sihanoukville, according to Long Dimanche, deputy governor of Preah Sihanouk province.

He said in a statement 203 guests and 156 crew had arrived aboard the Bahamas-flagged ship from Thailand on Oct 23, and had been due to go on to Vietnam.


"The sudden order to disembark has left many retirees and remote workers homeless thousands of miles from their home countries," he said.


Some passengers took flights out while others remained in the city, he said, adding that the ship itself was due to refuel and leave on October 31st, 2026.

Randy Cassingham, a passenger on board who runs a cruise blog, wrote that the disembarkation order followed a "cascade of problems".

Under a post entitled "Abandon Ship!", he said its Belfast launch was delayed by four months, while the ship never reached its capacity of 650 residents, peaking at around 350.


He said it was not a "luxury" ship but affordable - until the company started "begging for money".


Villa Vie said in its statement per-cabin monthly fuel expenses had gone from an average of US$1,800 to an estimated US$6,000 to US$8,000 in parts of Asia.


"The company cannot simply pass increases of that scale on to residents, and the resulting shortfall has placed its current operating model under unsustainable financial pressure," it said.

Cassingham accused the company of doing "absolutely nothing to help" stranded passengers.

Villa Vie said it was "working with residents to coordinate disembarkation and identify temporary living arrangements".

"Villa Vie Residences recognises that this is a difficult and disruptive period for residents, crew members, and employees, and is working to support those affected as plans develop," it said.

Passengers walk down from Villa Vie Residences' cruise ship Odyssey, as it is docked at Sihanoukville port in Preah Sihanouk province on Oct 28, 2026.




Civitavecchia (Rome) to Lisbon

Your next voyage is waiting

CIVITAVECCHIA (ROME) to LISBON

17 NIGHTS

OCT 01, 2027 till OCT 18, 2027


 Crystal Cruise from Civitavecchia (Rome) to Lisbon

Europe & Mediterranean



Civitavecchia

Rome


Lisbon


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Depart: Oct 1, 2027

Arrive: Oct 18, 2027

17 Nights

Crystal Symphony

Lisbon - Civitavecchia (Rome)

itinerary

7 countries

14 ports

This captivating 17-night cruise from Civitavecchia to Lisbon visits some true gems of the Mediterranean. First, we sail down one of the world’s most scenic coastlines to pastel-hued, lemon-scented Sorrento. Continuing south, we come to Messina, a pretty Sicilian port known for its salt flats and delicious local beer. We arrive now in Malta for an overnight in Valletta, the cinematic capital built by the Knights of St. John in the 1500s. From here, we dip down to Tunisia, calling at La Goulette for trips to the ruins of the ancient city of Carthage. A relaxing day at sea brings us to the glamor of Monte Carlo, followed by the glamor of Livorno, the gateway to Tuscany, where nearby treasures include the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Now to Ajaccio in Corsica, Napoleon’s birthplace, hopping to Mahón on the island of Menorca with its historic cobbled center, before we reach mainland Spain for two days in Barcelona, plenty of time to absorb the majestic architecture, designer shopping, and world-leading food scene. After a relaxing day at sea, view some of the masterpieces created by local boy, the artist Picasso, in Málaga, before exploring Cádiz, Spain’s 3,000-year-old city founded by the Phoenicians. There's time for a trip to the beach in Portimão before our voyage ends in Portugal's historic capital, Lisbon.

Itinerary map

Itinerary

Wonders of Morocco: From Souks to the Sahara







01.


Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy

FCO

oct 01, 2027


departure 7:00 PM



Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy picture

Many passengers use Civitavecchia as a stepping stone to the ancient wonders of Rome, which are a mere hour or so away by train or road. But with its pretty piazzas, strollable seafront promenade, and bustling open-air markets, the historic fishing port is a destination unto itself. Highlights include the impressive 16th-century Forte Michelangelo, built to defend the harbor from pirate raids; the mineral-rich Ficoncella Thermal Baths, beloved by locals and visitors alike; and the beautiful Baroque architecture of Cattedrale di San Francesco and Santa Maria dell'Orazione. Don't leave without sampling the fresh, local seafood, preferably washed down with a glass of crisp Frascati.


Hotel available at this port


view

02.


Sorrento, Italy

oct 02, 2027


7:00 AM - 6:00 PM


Anchor





03.


Messina, Italy

oct 03, 2027


8:00 AM - 6:00 PM





04.


Valletta, Malta

oct 04, 2027


arrival 8:00 AM


Overnight





05.


Valletta, Malta

oct 05, 2027


departure 4:00 PM





06.


La Goulette (Tunis), Tunisia

oct 06, 2027


7:00 AM - 6:00 PM





07.


Day at sea

oct 07, 2027


Photo not available

08.


Monte-Carlo, Monaco

oct 08, 2027


departure 7:00 PM





09.


Livorno (Tuscany), Italy

oct 09, 2027


7:00 AM - 8:00 PM





10.


Ajaccio, France

oct 10, 2027


8:00 AM - 5:00 PM





11.


Porto Mahon , Spain

oct 11, 2027


9:00 AM - 7:00 PM





12.


Barcelona, Spain

oct 12, 2027


arrival 8:00 AM


Overnight





13.


Barcelona, Spain

oct 13, 2027


departure 5:00 PM





14.


Day at sea

oct 14, 2027


Photo not available

15.


Malaga, Spain

oct 15, 2027


7:00 AM - 7:00 PM





16.


Cadiz, Spain

oct 16, 2027


7:00 AM - 7:00 PM





17.


Portimão, Portugal

oct 17, 2027


7:00 AM - 5:00 PM


Anchor





18.


Lisbon, Portugal

LIS

oct 18, 2027


arrival 5:00 AM





Previous

Lisbon - Civitavecchia (Rome)


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An Exclusive All-Inclusive Experience

On Crystal ships, our all-inclusive program gives you the sense of freedom and peace of mind that comes from knowing we’ve taken care of everything.


Dining & Beverages

A curated selection of wines, champagne, spirits, and soft drinks

Multiple dining options to explore

24-hour in-suite dining service

At least one complimentary visit to the only Nobu restaurant at sea, Umi Uma, and Osteria d’Ovidio

Personalized Service & Comfort

Dedicated butler service in every suite and guest room

Complimentary unlimited Wi-Fi

All tips and gratuities included

Wellness, Recreation & Entertainment

A wide variety of onboard activities, including padel tennis, pickleball, and golf driving nets

Access to spa facilities and a fully equipped fitness center

Evening entertainment ranging from dazzling Broadway-style shows to inspiring TED-style talks

Discover

Crystal Symphony

With elegant lines and sweeping ocean views, our intimate ship houses expansive suites and guest rooms, alongside a world-class choice of dining, wellness and entertainment.


REFURBISHED IN


2025

GUEST CAPACITY


606

OCEAN-VIEW ROOMS AND SUITES


330

DINING VENUES


9

DISCOVER Crystal Symphony

VIEW DECK PLAN

Our 9 Exceptional Restaurants

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BEEFBARcrystal cruises exceptional dining

UMI UMAcrystal cruises exceptional dining

OSTERIA D’OVIDIOcrystal cruises exceptional dining

WATERSIDE RESTAURANTcrystal cruises exceptional dining

THE VINTAGE ROOMcrystal cruises exceptional dining

THE BISTROcrystal cruises exceptional dining

TRIDENT GRILLcrystal cruises exceptional dining

SCOOPS ICE CREAM BARcrystal cruises exceptional dining

MARKETPLACEcrystal cruises exceptional dining


Onboard Experiences

Sumptuous suites, the finest cuisine, Broadway-standard entertainment, and a soothing spa – your every wish is granted.


suites & service


Warm, intuitive service, spacious and comfortable suites and social areas… all that’s left for you to do is relax.


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food & drink


Unparalleled choice, including the only Nobu restaurant at sea, makes dining aboard Crystal unforgettable.


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entertainment


From Broadway-themed shows and comedy to live music and lectures, we have a world of options to keep you amused.


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aurōra spa


Refresh mind and body with the wellbeing benefits of our indulgent treatments. Or just relax with a purifying sauna.


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Extend the Extraordinary with Our Sister Company Abercrombie & Kent

A&K Journeys (7)

Add an Abercrombie & Kent Small Group Journey — averaging 14 guests and led by an A&K Resident Tour Director — or a private journey that seamlessly connects to your cruise for the ultimate experience. Learn more about Abercrombie & Kent


Abercrombie and Kent logo

Small Group Journeys

wonders of morocco: from souks to the sahara

max guests 18


price from 11.665 €


length 12 days


From medieval Fes to bustling Marrakech, Morocco delights with iconic architecture, intoxicating aromas and uniquely hospitable people. Explore these timeless cities, get a taste of local Berber life in the ruggedly beautiful Atlas Mountains and sleep under the stars at A&K’s Private Desert Camp, nestled among towering Sahara dunes.

Wonders of Morocco: From Souks to the Sahara


Sep 18 - Sep 29


Casablanca

1 day


Rabat

1 day


Fes

1 day


Volubilis

1 day


Erfoud

1 day


A&K Private Desert Camp

1 day


Ouarzazate

2 days


Marrakech

4 days


your cruise


embark — Oct 1


Civitavecchia (Rome)

disembark — Oct 18


Lisbon

learn more

request a quote

Abercrombie and Kent logo

Small Group Journeys

egypt and the nile

max guests 18


price from 11.495 €


length 10 days


The mysteries of Egypt have captivated travellers for centuries. Now it’s your turn to explore the Land of the Pharaohs with an expert A&K Egyptologist at your side as you discover its quintessential archaeological treasures and cruise for four nights along the Nile aboard chic new Nile Seray, an A&K Sanctuary.

Egypt and the Nile


Sep 19 - Sep 28


Cairo

4 days


Giza

1 day


Luxor

2 days


Edfu

1 day


Aswan

1 day


Abu Simbel

1 day


your cruise


embark — Oct 1


Civitavecchia (Rome)

disembark — Oct 18


Lisbon

learn more

request a quote

Abercrombie and Kent logo

Private Ready-to-Book

egypt and the nile: a private journey

price from 11.495 €


length 10 days


The mysteries of Egypt have captivated travellers for centuries. Now it’s your turn to explore the Land of the Pharaohs with an expert A&K Egyptologist on this private journey, discovering its quintessential archaeological treasures and cruising for four nights along the Nile aboard chic new Nile Seray, an A&K Sanctuary.

Egypt and the Nile: A Private Journey


Sep 19 - Sep 28


Cairo

5 days


Luxor

1 day


Valley of the Kings

1 day


Kom Ombo

1 day


Aswan

1 day


Abu Simbel

1 day


your cruise


embark — Oct 1


Civitavecchia (Rome)

disembark — Oct 18


Lisbon

learn more

request a quote

Abercrombie and Kent logo

Small Group Journeys

spain and portugal: 10 extraordinary cities

max guests 18


price from 13.330 €


length 14 days


Similar in many ways yet distinct in others, Spain and Portugal combine to offer travel experiences rich in history and an air of romance. Explore them both on one spectacular journey, witnessing daily life today and discovering how a range of peoples influenced the culture, cuisine and arts across the entire Iberian peninsula.

Spain and Portugal: 10 Extraordinary Cities


Sep 17 - Sep 30


Lisbon

2 days


Evora

1 day


Seville

2 days


Granada

1 day


Cordoba

1 day


Madrid

2 days


Elciego

2 days


Bilbao

1 day


Barcelona

2 days


your cruise


embark — Oct 1


Civitavecchia (Rome)

disembark — Oct 18


Lisbon

learn more

request a quote

Abercrombie and Kent logo

Small Group Journeys

portugal: lisbon, porto and the douro valley

max guests 18


price from 7.915 €


length 9 days


Since the golden age of sail, seafaring Portugal has shipped its sweet Port wine around the world and charmed visitors with its stately palaces, medieval castles, tranquil monasteries and quaint fishing villages. Explore this history-laden jewel in style, from bustling Lisbon to the wine-rich Douro Valley and charismatic Porto, delving into the cultural and culinary heritage of each.

Portugal: Lisbon, Porto and the Douro Valley


Sep 22 - Sep 30


Lisbon

2 days


Coimbra

1 day


Douro

2 days


Oporto

3 days


your cruise


embark — Oct 1


Civitavecchia (Rome)

disembark — Oct 18


Lisbon

learn more

request a quote

Abercrombie and Kent logo

Private Ready-to-Book

croatia's dalmatian coast: a private journey

price from 8.330 €


length 7 days


From its stunning coastline with crystal-clear waters to its historic towns and vibrant cultural heritage, Croatia leaves a lasting impression. Croatia conjures images of bright clay rooftops, jewel-like coastlines and artistic traditions leading straight back to antiquity — and reveals so much more in person. On this independent Adriatic journey, sample the best in local foods, explore a market in Split and venture into the medieval city of Dubrovnik, where you stroll along its fortified walls and learn from local artisans.

Croatia's Dalmatian Coast: A Private Journey


Sep 24 - Sep 30


Split

3 days


Ston

1 day


Dubrovnik

3 days


your cruise


embark — Oct 1


Civitavecchia (Rome)

disembark — Oct 18


Lisbon

learn more

request a quote

Abercrombie and Kent logo

Small Group Journeys

southern italy: sicily, puglia and the amalfi coast

max guests 18


price from 12.495 €


length 12 days


A culinary hot spot and epicenter of history and art, Italy beckons you to discover the true meaning of la dolce vita. Experience the glories of Southern Italy on a panoramic journey that reveals this Mediterranean-flavored region’s distinctive food and culture as well as the slow pace of rural life, from Sicily’s ancient ruins to the colorful cliffsides of the Amalfi Coast.

Southern Italy: Sicily, Puglia and the Amalfi Coast


Sep 17 - Sep 28


Palermo, Sicily

2 days


Agrigento

1 day


Taormina

2 days


Matera

2 days


Alberobello

1 day


Naples

3 days


Positano

1 day


your cruise


embark — Oct 1


Civitavecchia (Rome)

disembark — Oct 18


Lisbon

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Looking to add a Hotel Stay?

Choose the perfect hotel for your pre or post cruise night.


Pre cruise hotels in Civitavecchia

post cruise hotels in Lisbon

Featured Excursions for this Voyage

Take in breathtaking views from above, sharpen your skills in a hands-on class, or unwind with one-of-a-kind experiences. Whether you seek adventure, relaxation, or both, our Shore Excursions deliver it all


excursions

A Day in Capri


Sorrento

discover more

excursions

Delightful Taormina & Mt. Etna


Messina

discover more

excursions

Malta Panorama


Valletta

discover more

excursions

Tunis Souks and Sites of Carthage


Tunis (La Goulette)

discover more

excursions

A Day in Nice and Saint Paul de Vence - with Gourmet Lunch at Alain Llorca


Monte Carlo

discover more

excursions

Bolgheri & Wine Tasting


Livorno (Tuscany)

discover more

excursions

Calanches de Piana: Corsica Coastal Beauty


Ajaccio (Corsica)

discover more



explore all

Featured Offers

WELCOME ABOARD LOYALTY OFFER


We are so sure you will love sailing with us that we’re inviting you to experience what makes Crystal exceptional with our Welcome Aboard Loyalty Offer.


*Terms and conditions apply


Offer | book by Nov 09, 2026


SAIL & SAVE


Enjoy up to €5,000 savings and $500 onboard credit on over 200 cruises worldwide. Book by November 09, 2026.


*Terms and conditions apply


CRYSTAL EXPLORER FARE


Book early to save 10% on select voyages with our Crystal Explorer Fare. This fare rewards guests who book at least 9 months in advance and pay in full for select cruises.


*Terms and conditions apply


COMBINATION VOYAGES


See more of the world and save up to 15% on one of our combination voyages, which seamlessly link two or more cruises.


*Terms and conditions apply


CRYSTAL REFERRAL PROGRAM


Introduce a friend to Crystal and they will get 5% off their cruise fare, while you receive the same value as a credit for your next voyage. There is no limit to how many guests you can refer.


*Terms and conditions apply


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Stories

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CIVITAVECCHIA (ROME) to LISBON

17 NIGHTS

OCT 01, 2027 till OCT 18, 2027


The Paradigm of Scriptural Prayer as the apostle Paul prayed for the believers

Chapter 1: The paradigm of prayer

Apostle Paul prayed prayers that most Christians would never dare to pray. Not because he was more spiritual, but because he understood something about prayer that changed it from 'begging God for help' to 'partnering with God' in what He's already done. 

And when you discover what apostle Paul knew, when you see how radically different his prayers were from the  prayers most believers pray today, everything about your prayer life will shift from powerless petition to powerful partnership with the Father.

There is a reason apostle Paul's prayers produced results that most Christians never see.

It was not because he prayed longer. It was not because he prayed louder. It was not because he was more desperate or more devoted. It was because apostle Paul understood his position in Christ in a way that most believers do not understand. 

And that understanding changed what he prayed for, how he prayed, and why he prayed.

Today, you are going to see apostle Paul's prayers with fresh eyes. You're going to discover what he knew that most  Christians miss. 

And when you apply this revelation, when you start praying the way apostle Paul prayed, you'll move from hoping God might answer to knowing He already has. 

This is not just about better prayers. This is about a completely different paradigm of prayer rooted in who you are in Christ. 


Chapter 2: Petition vs. revelation

Let us start by examining what most Christians pray for  because the contrast with apostle Paul's prayers is stunning. Most believers pray prayers like this: 

"God, please help me." "God, give me strength." "God, make me more like Jesus." "God, help me overcome this sin." "God, give me more faith." "God, bless me." "God, provide for me." "God, heal me."

 Do those sound familiar? They should because that is what's taught from most pulpits. That is what's modeled in most prayer meetings. That is what believers have been conditioned to pray. 

Prayers of petition, prayers of pleading, prayers that treat God like He is holding back. And we need to convince Him to release what we need. 

But here is the problem. When you read apostle Paul's prayers in Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians, you do not find those kinds of prayers.

You do not find apostle Paul begging God to make believers more righteous. You do not find him pleading with God to give them more faith. You do not find him asking God to heal them or provide for them or make them more spiritual. 

Instead, you find something completely different. Apostle Paul prayed that believers would know. He prayed for revelation. He prayed for understanding. He prayed that their eyes would be enlightened to see what they already had, who they already were, and what had already been done. 

And that difference is everything because the kind of prayer you pray reveals what you believe about your position in Christ.

If you are praying for God to make you righteous, you do not believe you're already righteous.

 If you are praying for God to give you faith, you do not believe you already have faith. 

If you are praying for God to make you whole, you do not believe Christ already made you whole. 

Your prayers expose your theology. And for most believers, their prayers reveal that they're living far beneath what Christ secured for them at the cross. 

Apostle Paul did not pray that way because Paul understood something most Christians do not understand. He understood that in Christ, everything has already been given.

 Second Peter 1:3 says, "According as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness." 

All things. Past tense. Given. Done. Finished. Apostle Paul knew that.

So, he did not pray for God to give believers things they did not have. He prayed for believers to become conscious of things they already had. 

He did not pray for God to do something new. He prayed for believers to see what God had already done. 

And that shift, that fundamental shift from praying for provision to praying for revelation is what transformed apostle Paul's prayer life from religiousity petition to covenant partnership with God. 

Chapter 3: Analyzing Paul's prayers

Now, you must understand this perfectly, apostle Paul never prayed for believers to receive what they already possessed in Christ. He prayed that they would know what they possessed because knowing is the key to experiencing. 

You can have everything and experience nothing if you do not know what you have. 

Apostle Paul never prayed for believers to receive what they already possessed. That sentence should revolutionize your prayer life. 

Because if everything has already been given, if all spiritual blessings are already yours in heavenly places according to Ephesians 1:3, then the prayer you need to pray is not "God give me." The prayer you need to pray is, "Father, open my eyes to see what you've already given."

So, let us look at exactly what apostle Paul prayed and why it is so radically different from most modern prayers. Open your Bible to Ephesians 1:17-19.

This is one of apostle Paul's most powerful prayers and it reveals everything about what he knew that most Christians do not know.

He writes that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding, being enlightened, that ye may know what is the hope of His calling, and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding  greatness of His power to us ward who believe according to the working of His mighty power. 

Notice what apostle Paul prayed for. He did not pray that God would give them an inheritance. He prayed that they would know the inheritance they already had. 

He did not pray that God would give them power. He prayed that they would know the power that was already  available to them. 

He did not pray that God would call them. He prayed that they would know the hope of the calling they'd already received. 

Everything apostle Paul prayed for was about knowing, seeing, understanding what was already theirs, not receiving something new, becoming conscious of something already given.

This is revolutionary when you let it sink in.

 Because if Paul, the apostle who wrote most of the New Testament, the man who had seen Jesus Christ face to face, the believer who experienced more of God's power than almost anyone in history, if apostle Paul did not pray for believers to receive more from God, what does that tell you? 

It tells you that the problem is not God's willingness to give. The problem is our awareness of what is already been given.

 The issue is not provision. The issue is revelation. 

God has already provided everything. The question is, do you know what you have? 

Let us go even deeper into this prayer.

Chapter 4: The three key petitions

Apostle Paul prayed specifically that believers would know three things. 

First, the hope of His calling. What does that mean? 

It means knowing who you are in Christ, knowing your identity, knowing your position. 

Most believers are still trying to become something. But apostle Paul prayed that they would know they already are something in Christ Jesus. 

You are not trying to become a child of God. You are a child of God.

 You are not trying to become righteous. You are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. 

You are not trying to become accepted. You are accepted in the Beloved according to Ephesians 1:6.

The hope of His calling is the settled certainty of who you are because of what Lord Jesus Christ did. And apostle Paul prayed that you would know that. 

Second, apostle Paul prayed that you would know the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, not your inheritance in God. 

God's inheritance in you. Think about that.

God has an inheritance and you are it.

You're not just receiving an inheritance from God. You are the inheritance He values. You are His treasure, His prized possession, His delight. 

And when you know that, when you are conscious that God looks at you and sees His inheritance, His treasure, His beloved child, everything about how you approach Him changes. 

You do not come begging. You come confident. 

You do not come wondering if He cares. You come knowing you are His inheritance.

Third, apostle Paul prayed that you would know the exceeding greatness of His power toward you who believe. 

Notice that the power is already toward you, not coming to you someday, instead is already directed toward you. The same power that raised Christ from the dead is available to you right now. Not because you earned it, because you're in Christ. 

And apostle Paul's prayer is that you would know it, that you would become conscious of it, that you would recognize the power that is already working in you. 

Now, compare that to the prayers most believers pray. "God, give me power." "God, make me strong." "God, help me." Do you see the difference? 

Apostle Paul's prayer assumes everything is already given and prays for awareness. Most believers prayers assume nothing is given and beg for provision.

One is rooted in covenant confidence. The other is rooted in religious ignorance and the difference in results is staggering. 

Chapter 5: Practical prayer examples

Here is a practical example of how this works. 

Imagine two believers facing the same financial crisis.

 The first believer prays, "God, please provide for me. I do not have enough. Please give me what I need. Help me, Lord." That's a petition prayer. It is rooted in lack. It is focused on what they do not have. And even though they might quote Philippians 4:19, their prayer reveals they do not really believe it yet. Because if they believe God supplies all their need according to His riches and glory, they would not be begging Him to supply. They'd be thanking Him that He already has and asking Him to help them see how His  provision is going to manifest. 

 The second believer praying like apostle Paul's prayer says, "Father, I thank You that You supply all my need according to Your riches in glory by Christ Jesus. That is a finished promise, a completed work. I ask You now to open my eyes to see how You're already working, to give me wisdom to know what steps to take, to help me become conscious of Your provision even before I see it with my natural eyes. I trust You. I rest in Your faithfulness." 

Do you see the difference? Same situation. Radically different prayer. 

One is begging for provision. The other is asking for revelation of provision that is already secured. 

One produces anxiety. The other produces peace. 

One keeps you focused on the problem. The other focuses you on God's faithfulness.

And here is what's remarkable. The second prayer gets answered faster and more completely. Not because God loves that person more, but because that prayer aligns with how faith actually operates.

Faith does not beg. Faith receives. 

Faith does not focus on lack. Faith focuses on provision. 

And when you pray for eyes to see instead of hands to receive, God opens those eyes. 

And when your eyes open, when you see His faithfulness, when you become conscious that He is already working, your heart rests. And rest is the evidence that faith is present. 

Let me show you another example. In Ephesians 3:16-19,

Chapter 6: Knowing and experiencing

Let me show you another example. In Ephesians 3:16-19, apostle Paul prays that He would grant you according to the riches of his glory to be strengthened with might by his spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith, that ye being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth and length and depth and height. And to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God.

Again, what is apostle Paul praying for? That they would be strengthened, that they would comprehend, that they would know.

He is praying for awareness, for understanding, for the eyes of their hearts to be opened to what is already theirs. 

He is not asking God to love them more. He is asking that they would know the love that is already there. 

He is not asking God to fill them with His fullness. He is asking that they would be conscious of the fullness that is already in them because Christ dwells in them.

Notice something critical here. 

Apostle Paul prays that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith. Christ already dwells in every believer. Colossians 1:27 says, "Christ in you, the hope of glory." He's already there. So why is apostle Paul praying that Christ may dwell in their hearts?

Because there is a difference between Christ being in you positionally and Christ dwelling in your heart experientially. Christ is in you whether you're aware of it or not, but He dwells in your heart. He makes Himself at home in your consciousness, when you become aware of His presence through faith.

Apostle Paul's prayer is that these believers would become so conscious of Christ in them that Christ's presence dominates their awareness, their thoughts, their responses. That is what it means for Christ to dwell in your heart, not positionally, but experientially.

This is the pattern in every one of  apostle Paul's prayers. Philippians 1:9-11, Colossians 1:9-12, every single one. 

Apostle Paul prays for knowledge, for understanding, for revelation, for awareness. Why? 

Because apostle Paul knew what most Christians do not know or not realize. He knew that you already have everything you need in Christ. 

You are not lacking anything. God is not withholding anything. The issue is never God's provision. The issue is always your awareness of God's provision. 

And when your awareness increases, when you become conscious of what you have, when you see clearly who you are, your experience automatically aligns with the truth. 

Look at Colossians 1:9-10. Paul writes, "For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of  His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding, that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being  fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God." 

What is the prayer? That they might be filled with knowledge, that they might have wisdom and spiritual understanding, that they might increase in the knowledge of God, not that God would give them something new, that they would know what God had already given. 

And notice the result. When you are filled with the knowledge of His will, when you have wisdom and understanding, you walk worthy, you are fruitful, you increase, not through striving, through knowing.

The knowledge produces the walk. 

The understanding produces the fruit. 

The awareness produces the experience.

That is the pattern. 

That is what apostle Paul knew. And that is what transforms prayer from religious begging into covenant partnership.

I said it powerfully. The tragedy of the modern church today is not that believers lack anything in Christ. It is that they do not know what they have in Christ. And so they beg for what they possess, strive for what they are, and seek for what is already been given. 

The prayer of faith is not asking God to do something. The prayer of faith is thanking God for what He's already done  and asking Him to open your eyes to see it. 

The prayer of faith is not asking God to do something. The prayer of faith is thanking God for what He has already done. That's the revolution. 

That is what apostle Paul knew. And that is what transforms prayer from powerless petition, begging, to powerful partnership with God. 

Chapter 7: Applying the shift

Here is where everything we have covered in this entire study comes to a point. 

You know you are righteous. 

You know you have faith. 

You know God is your Father. 

You know worry is disobedience. 

You know meditation on God's words , day and night, renews your mind. 

You know spiritual hunger comes from tasting grace. 

You know all of that theologically. 

But the reason it has not transformed your daily experience the way it should is because you have not been praying like apostle Paul's prayers.

You've been praying religious prayers. Prayers that ask God to make you what He already made you. Prayers that beg God to give you what He already gave you.

And those prayers keep you trapped in ignorance of your position instead of moving you into divine consciousness of your position in Christ Jesus. 

But when you start praying the way apostle Paul prayed, when you shift from "God make me.." to "Father, help me see what You've already made me," everything changes. 

When you stop praying, "God, give me strength," and start praying, "Father, open my eyes to the strength that is already in me because Christ lives in me," you move from petition to partnership with God's truth. 

When you stop praying, "God, heal me," and start praying, "Father, help me become conscious of the healing You already provided by the stripes of Jesus Christ," you align with truth instead of begging for truth. 

And here is what happens when you pray for revelation instead of provision. God answers that prayer every time. Why?

Because God wants you to know what you have even more than you want to know it.

He is not holding back revelation. He is waiting for you to ask for it. 

James 1:5 says, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God that giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him."

 Ask for wisdom. Ask for understanding. Ask for revelation. And God gives liberally. He does not rebuke you for asking. He delights in opening your eyes. 

This is what Jesus meant when he said in John 16:23- 24, "And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. Hitherto have ye not asked anything in my name, ask and ye shall receive that your joy may be full."

 In that day after the resurrection, after you are in me and I'm in you, you won't need to ask me for things. 

You'll ask the Father for revelation of what is already yours in me, and He will give it. 

Ask for eyes to see. 

Ask for understanding to comprehend. 

Ask for wisdom to know. and your joy will be full because you'll finally be conscious of everything you already possess. 

This is the prayer of partnership. This is the prayer of someone who knows their position and is asking God to make that position real in their consciousness.

This is the prayer that moves you from striving to resting, from begging to receiving, from ignorance to knowledge.

And this is the prayer that produces transformation. Not because God is finally giving you something He was withholding, but because you are finally becoming conscious of what He already gave you when you became His child. 

Let us bring this to absolute clarity.

Chapter 8: The result of true prayer

What apostle Paul knew about prayer that most Christians do not know, is this. 

Prayer is not about convincing God to give you what you don't have. Prayer is about asking God to open your eyes to what you already have in Christ. 

Apostle Paul did not pray for believers to become righteous, to receive faith, to get power, to be blessed. He prayed for believers to know their righteousness, to recognize their faith, to comprehend their power, to see their blessings. 

Because apostle Paul understood that in Christ, all things have already been given. The issue is never provision. The issue is always revelation.

This changes everything about how you pray. 

Stop praying, "God, make me more like Jesus." For you are in Jesus Christ. Instead, pray "Father, open my eyes to see who I am in Christ."

 Stop praying, "God, give me more faith." You have the faith of Christ living in you. Pray, "Father, help me become conscious of the faith I already possess."

Stop praying, "God, heal me." You were healed by the stripes of Jesus Christ. Pray, "Father, help me know the healing that's already mine and manifest it in my body." 

Do you see the shift? 

One set of prayers keeps you focused on what you think you lack. The other set focuses you on what Christ already provided. 

And when you pray that way, when you pray like apostle Paul's prayers, when you ask for revelation instead of provision, wisdom instead of works, understanding instead of striving, God answers every time.

Because God delights in revealing truth to His children. 

He delights in opening blind eyes. He delights in showing you who you are, what you have, and what He has done. 

I am who God says I am. This is my identity in Christ.

I have what God says I have. Ths is my inheritance in Christ.

I can do what God says what I can do. This is my authority in Christ.

And as He does, as your consciousness increases, as revelation dawn in your heart, your experience changes. Not because God finally gave you something, it is because you finally saw what He gave you 2,000 years ago at the cross. 

My final word on this.

Chapter 9: Practical application

Show me a believer who prays as apostle Paul's prayers, who asks for revelation and understanding instead of begging for sprovision. And I'll show you a believer who walks in victory, peace, and the manifest goodness of God. Not because God favors them more, it is because they see more clearly. They know who they are. They understand what they have. 

And what you are conscious of, you experience.

Show me a believer who prays as apostle Paul's prayers. That is the difference. Not more effort, more awareness; not more striving, more seeing. 

And when you see clearly, when you know deeply, when you understand fully what you already possess in Christ, everything you have learned in this entire study moves from your head to your heart and transforms your daily walk with God. 

The practical application is simple. Read apostle Paul's prayers, not just casually. Study them.

See what he prayed for. Notice what he did not pray for and start praying the same way. 

Pray for the eyes of your understanding to be enlightened.

 Pray to know the hope of His calling. 

Pray to comprehend the riches of His glory. 

Pray to be strengthened in your inner man by becoming conscious of Christ dwelling in you. 

Pray for divine revelation. Pray for divine wisdom. 

Pray for divine knowledge of what you already have and watch what God does. Not gradually giving you things you're begging for, but suddenly opening your eyes to things that have always been yours. 

And that revelation, that consciousness, that awareness will produce more transformation than a lifetime of religious striving ever could. 

Chapter 10: Final challenge

If this teaching has shown you that prayer is about revelation of what you have, not petition for what you lack, I want you to declare it right now.

 On a piece of paper, write these words. "I pray as apostle Paul's prayers. I ask for eyes to see what Christ has already given me. "

Do not write it as a religious formula. But write it as a settled decision to shift your prayer life from begging to seeing, from petition to partnership with God.

This is you aligning with the way  apostle Paul prayed and the way God designed, desired and demands prayer to function in the new covenant. 

Do it now. Write:  I pray as apostle Paul's prayers. I ask for eyes to see what Christ has already given me."

 Now, understanding how to pray as apostle Paul's prayers is absolutely transformational. But there is one statement Jesus made about faith that if we actually obeyed it would eliminate 90% of the doubt and striving in the Christian life. It is a statement we read all the time, but we keep ignoring. And when you finally see it for what it actually says, when you understand what Lord Jesus Christ was revealing about how faith operates, everything about your walk with God will shift from complicated to simple, from striving to receiving. This is the final revelation that brings everything full circle. You need to hear what Jesus said.