Do We Have a Prayer?

At least three…

The Apostle Paul, concerned about the church in Ephesus, wrote and urged them to pursue unity, even though they were Jew and Gentile (opposites attack…or attract?). The Jews had years of tradition as an exclusive group chosen by God. The Gentiles (all non-Jews) were pagan foreigners to the knowledge of God. But Christ brought them near and included them as His people.

How could the two become one body? In Christ (by faith). In love (for God and others). In submission (service to one another). In spiritual gifts (to build up one another). Finally, in prayer (mentioned at least three times!).

What is special about these (many-mentioned) prayers?

The first one begins with thanks for their faith in God and love for all believers (despite their differences?). Paul asks for God to give them wisdom and insight to know Him (impossible otherwise?). Specifically, Paul wants them to know the hope and inheritance God has for them. Even more (!) Paul wants them to know (experience) the greatness of God’s power that resurrected Christ and put Him over all things (yes…all!), including the Church. (I’m still trying to comprehend that kind of power…available to me.)

The second prayer calls for God to strengthen them internally so that Christ would dwell in their hearts through faith (we need His strength for that?!). Paul prays for them to be rooted (grounded) in God’s love and understand its width and length and height and depth. And he wants them to experience Christ’s love (even though they can’t fully) and be made complete with all God’s fullness and power. (How can I even hope to experience that?!)

The third prayer comes after Paul’s exhortation to put on God’s armor for spiritual battle. He emphasizes the need for prayer in the Spirit (God-guided?)…at all times…on every occasion…for all believers. He even tells them to be alert (in the Spirit?) and keep on praying (which would be the “all” and “every”…) Then, Paul asks that they pray for him to have the right words and boldness (Paul needs boldness?!) to explain the mystery of the gospel (perhaps at his coming Roman trial).

So do we have a prayer?

Of these three, what should I pray for others and for me? To know God, to experience His love and power, and to have boldness to share that love with others.

For what do you need to pray…for others and for yourself?

(Photo by Abel Marquez on unsplash)