Praying with Paul – 3rd July 2006
Have you ever listened in on someone else’s conversation? Last week, my daughter and her friend traveled to Cambridge and back with us and they occupied the back seat. Needless to say, they did most of the talking and I caught up on all the college gossip!
In the book of Ephesians, we have the privilege of reading what the apostle Paul wrote to this early Gentile church. In the middle of the opening chapter, Paul breaks off from talking about what God has done and writes down his heartfelt prayer for this growing church. As I read it, I feel like I am listening in on Paul’s conversation with God.
… ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.
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.
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, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.
Eph 1:16-19
Paul had an amazing grasp of what God wanted to do in their lives. He longed for them to see it too. But He also knew that in order to truly see what God could do, they needed wisdom and revelation. And we need that too.
And that’s where the Holy Spirit comes in. He is the Spirit of wisdom and revelation and He is the one who pulls back the curtains, wipes the dirt of the windows and blows away mists of uncertainty and confusion.
Are you struggling to get a clearer glimpse of God? Do you know someone else who seems lost in a fog? Why not pick up these great words of prayer and pray directly for the situation.
“Lord, I pray for my friend…please give them the Spirit of wisdom and revelation so that they may know you better.” And so on with the next verse.
I pray for you too as you read and pray Paul’s words.
May you know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance and his incomparably great power ! | 