“Our Father”
Opening Prayer
Glorious Father, give me the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that I may know You better (Eph. 1:17).
Read Ephesians 1:15–23
For additional translations of the passage, use this link to Bible Gateway.
15 For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, 16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 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. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
When you pray for other people, what sort of things do you pray for?Paul’s concern and delight in the Christians to whom he is writing is immense. Every time he thinks of them he gives thanks for them. Do you have people in your life who prompt that response in you? Give thanks now for Christians you know whose faith in Christ and love for other Christians really inspire you.
Paul goes on to pray for his fellow believers. How does the content of his prayer compare and contrast with how you pray for others? I focus too much on safety in travel, good health and peace in relationships where there is tension. Paul’s prayer is in a different league! He wants them to know God better and to know the hope that the Gospel brings. What do you think he means by the phrase “the eyes of your heart”? Is there a phrase that we may more readily use today that would mean the same thing?
Power is a big theme in this prayer. Why do you think Paul refers to God’s power at work for Christians? Many Christians in the world live under extreme pressure. How reassuring it is to know that the all-powerful God is for us!
Apply
Use the words of Paul’s prayer to pray for a couple of people you know.
Closing prayer
Lord, enlighten the eyes of my heart today, so that I may know the hope to which You have called me (Eph. 1:18).
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