A Verse
Ephesians 1:19b-23
That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 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. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
A Comment
In Ephesians 1:15-23, Paul is praying to the sovereign King of the universe, the One who chose us, redeemed us, gave us an inheritance, and sealed us the Holy Spirit, and Paul is asking the Lord, He is entreating the king, begging Him to have the Holy Spirit illuminate and enlighten our eyes to see the hope of our calling, the value of our inheritance, and the incomparable greatness of His power for the sake of the good of the church!
It is Paul’s grand vision of God that compels him to pray so boldly for the growth of the church in Ephesus in their knowledge of God. Paul wants us to share His vision of the great God who hears our prayers and delights to answer us when we call upon Him in faith for the sake of His name. Paul wants us to entreat the King with our thanksgivings and our requests that we and others might grow in our knowledge of God, and thus be sustained to endure to the end when the trial comes, or the temptation assails us.
As we pray this morning, may this vision of God compel us to pray with bold faith and assurance!
A Prayer
O’ LORD, You are greater than we can imagine! You are too wonderful for words! You are beyond our comprehension! O’ LORD, it is astonishing that You would hear and delight in our prayers to You. Jesus, we thank You for Your grace and mercy toward us. Give us eyes to see even more of what You are already doing for us and our salvation. We love you! In Your name, Amen.
A Blessing
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.
Who Hear Us When We Pray?