Praying Paul’s Prayer

It has been said that we can do no better than to pray the words of Scripture when we pray.

Therefore, I offer this prayer from the first chapter of Ephesians, which closes with the last words of this marvelous epistle.

Personal Prayer

I thank you, God, the Father of my Lord, Jesus Christ, for blessing me with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. Thank you for choosing me in Him from before the foundation of the world so that I might be holy and blameless before you. It was in your love that you predestined me for adoption as a son (or daughter) through Jesus Christ according to the purpose of your will, to the praise of your grace with which you have blessed me in the Beloved. In Christ, I have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of my trespasses according to the riches of your grace, which you have lavished upon me with all wisdom and insight. You are making known to me the mystery of your will, according to your purpose that you set forth in Christ. It has been your plan that in the fulness of time you would unite all things in heaven and all things on earth in him.

It is in Christ that I have obtained an inheritance, because I was predestined according to your purpose who works all things according to the counsel of your will, so that I might be effective to the praise of your glory. When I heard the word of truth, the gospel of my salvation, you allowed me to believe in him, and sealed me with the Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of my inheritance until I actually take possession of it. That is to your glory and I praise you for it.

Prayer for Others

Lord God, I thank you for (insert name). I pray that you give (him/her/them) a spirit of revelation in the knowledge of Jesus. I pray that the eyes of their heart be enlightened, that they may know what is the hope to which you have called them, and what are the riches of your glorious inheritance in the saints. I pray that they may know the immeasurable greatness of your power toward those of us who believe. That great power was what you worked in Christ Jesus when you raised him from the dead and seated him at your right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion. He is far above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And you have put all things under his feet and given him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

And Father, I pray that you grant peace and love with faith, and grace to all those who love the Lord Jesus Christ.

Amen.

NOTE: This is the first in a weekly posting on the Epistle to the Ephesians. I am not the only one who is writing on this book. There are others who will be posting something on their blog each day of the week. We are each bringing something that the Lord gives us from chapter one of the epistle. You will be greatly blessed and encouraged, and your heart will be filled if you will take the time to read each day’s posting from one of the other saints involved in this collective effort. Put the following link in your “favorites” or on your link bar at the top of your browser: http://www.philter48.com/bbs/ and make it a point to visit everyday.