A Life Worth Living

Have you ever wondered what to say especially when praying for others? In the book of Ephesians, Paul makes several prayers on behalf of the believers in Ephesus. I invite you to consider this prayer from Ephesians 1:15-22 with me.

Paul starts of with thanksgiving for the evidence of God’s grace in the believers in Ephesians. In specific he thanks God for their faith and love for one another.

Prayer: Thank God for the evidence of grace you see in the people you are praying for.

Secondly Paul goes on to intercessory prayer on their behalf. He prays for God to give them spiritual knowledge and wisdom so they may know God better.

Prayer: Ask God to give them wisdom and insight as they read the word so they may know Him better.

Paul also prays that they would fully understand (heart and mind) what God has done for them. An understanding of the hope to which God has called them, and the glorious inheritance they have.

Prayer: God, would you bring the hope of the gospel to bear when they are discouraged. Would you continue to give them full understanding of the glorious inheritance they have in Christ.

Lastly Paul prays that they may understand the greatness of God’s power towards those who believe. That God has not only conquered Christ’s enemies through raising Him from the dead, but has also subjected all creation under Him.

Prayer: God help them to understand your power in salvation. Help them to believe that this same power is at work on their behalf through Christ in whatever difficulty they may be facing. That the Messiah is acting on their behalf to accomplish God’s purpose for them.

I have found praying through scripture is always helpful. I learn from what believers like the Apostle Paul prayed. Hope to see you back next week as we continue to talk about prayer.