Scripture–
Ephesians 1:16-19 – I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power towards us who believe, according to the work of his great might
Observation –
Paul is giving thanks for the believers in Ephesus and praying for them. Paul is praying for wisdom in knowing God. Paul is also praying for hearts to be opened to the hope of the riches of His glory. Paul also is praying for the saints to grasp the immeasurable power of God to work for those who believe.
Application –
What a great opening to a letter of encouragement to fellow believers. I should be mindful to always be thankful for my brothers and sisters in Christ, build them up and remember them in my prayers. My prayers should always be for self and other believers to have a deeper knowledge of God. A part of knowing God better is understanding our hope is not in this world but in the riches of the inheritance to come. Do I sometimes limit my view of God’s great power to work in our lives?
Prayer –
Father,
Thank you for the truth in your word and the encouraging prayer of the apostle Paul. Let the Spirit guide me to encourage fellow believers, seek to know you better, understand our hope is in you and your great power to work for those who believe in the name of Jesus.