This morning, I was reading Paul's letter to the Ephesians. In chapter one we read of his prayers for these faithful followers fo Christ.
"Ever since I first heard of your strong faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for God’s people everywhere, I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom* and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called — his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance. I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms (Eph.1:15-20. NLT)."
Paul had three prayers for them and I pray this for you today:
1. For spiritual wisdom and revelation (Greek apokalupsis) so that you can grow in your knowledge of God (1:17). God is hard to understand at times and we need HIM to show us himself and what he is up to. Unless He does, we remain confused.
2. For your heart to be flooded with light so you may understand the confident hope God has given to those He has called (1:18). So often life can seem dark and confusing and we need HIS light to open our eyes and fill us with HOPE that there is a better future.
3. That you would understand the incredibly great power (resurrection power) given to us who believe in Christ (1:19-20). I love the resurrection. Of course, Jesus went through pain, death and the tomb in the process. Sometimes we do too, yet his power is at work and promises to bring us through … not leave us in the grave.
I hope this is an encouragement to you.