Enlightened

What do I pray for? What do I want people to pray for me? What do I pray for others? Good questions.

Over the years I have often used Paul’s prayer below as the content of my prayers. This passage has such rich meaning and is worthy of our attention as we seek prayer for ourselves and others. Take a moment to read this passage. Perhaps even reading it a second time with the awareness that the Spirit is praying for you through these words.

“For this reason I too, having heard of the faith in the Lord Jesus which exists among you and your love for all the saints, do not cease giving thanks for you, while making mention of you in my prayers; that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe.

These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.” (Ephesians 1:15-23)

Here are a few questions that might assist your reflection:

• What are the things Paul prayed for them (as us as we read it)? How do I respond to each of these?
• What do you glean about Jesus’ authority from this passage?
• What is the most challenging thought to you from this passage?
• Take a moment to use this passage to pray for a few others and also for yourself.

Maranatha (Come Lord!)