Ephesians 1:15-19a
In this passage, Paul gives an insight into what he prays for the Ephesian church. First, he gives thanks for them (because of their faith in Jesus and love for his followers) and then he prays: that they would know God better, know the hope to which God called them and know his great power for those who believe.
What a powerful prayer! For a while I was praying the prayers of Paul (from this and other epistles) for each of the students in my ministry but for some reason I stopped. I need to pray this prayer more often because it expresses the desire of my heart for my students: that they would know God better, always have in mind the hope to which they have been called and experience the great power that God has for them as they follow him and serve on his behalf here on earth.
The truth is I work hard to make this a reality for my students but Paul has a better perspective: it is God's work (he gives the Spirit of revelation and wisdom to allow us to know him, he enlightens the eyes of our hearts so that we can know the hope to which he has called us, it is his power). Paul worked hard but he also prayed hard. What a challenge for me! I can't forget to pray!
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2 comments:
It is great to begin to just glimpse the fullness of God because it seems to always drive us to prayer. I love how Paul opens so many of his books like this and you can't help but be awed, driven to prayer and full of praise for God.
all so true. This prayer is so much how it should be for the youth. Specifically for you and the youth (every helper and attender) but also specifically for me and ben as we should pray for our small group in this way. To encourage them to know and follow God from the depths of their hearts. We must lead by example in order to mean that prayer fully.
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