This is My Prayer for You

Insights from Ephesians: Part One
Ephesians 1:17-23

God’ wants us all to know Him better, the first truth Paul proclaims.
That’s the reason Paul writes this letter, to show us what God has ordained.
He prays that the eyes of our heart would be opened to see three things this hour:
The hope of our call, spiritual riches for all, and God’s incomparable power.

The hope of our call is a life well lived, which reflects Christ’s transformation.
We all should hope our life reflects a good measure of sanctification.
As we study the Word and walk with God on heaven’s upward road,
The fruits of the Spirit shine to reveal the blessings God has bestowed.

Paul also prays that we would know the inheritance found in the saints.
How precious it is to have godly friends who inspire and do not faint.
The greatest riches found in this life are embodied in family and friends.
How glorious it is to remember this truth: for the redeemed, it never ends.

To comprehend the power of God is the third thing he mentioned in prayer.
He wants the believers to have faith in His love, not to live in despair.
The God that raised Jesus from the dead and installed Him on heaven’s throne
Is the very same God that forgave our sin and adopted us as His own.

So now we have hope that transforms our life and fellowship with godly friends.
Should Jesus tarry and we leave this earth, we know that it’s not the end.
The God that raised Jesus from the dead and installed Him on heaven’s throne
Has adopted us into His heavenly family to live with Him as His own.

© Copyright George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved

Ephesians 1:17-23
17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, 20 which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way. (NIV)