A Heartfelt Prayer

When my son went off to college, I wrote these verses from the first chapter of Ephesians on the front flap of his Bible, and then referenced the page number. Being away from us and our church family, I did not know when he’d crack open the book and read it. I left that in God’s hands.

I still don’t know when he noticed it. But years later, as I helped him move into an apartment, I saw that particular page in Ephesians had been dogeared as a makeshift bookmark. That warmed my heart. What’s more, I know it warmed our Lord’s as well.

There have been times I have prayed these verses for others. Other times, I’ve sensed the Holy Spirit saying these words over me. Particularly those times when I needed a spirit of wisdom and revelation. When I occasionally feel down and discouraged, verse eighteen ― “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you….” ― always lifts me.

Do you need a better understanding as you view the world around you? Has your hope fizzled like a sparkler nearing the end of the sulfur on its metal stick? Could you use a bit of holy wisdom on how to deal with your current situation?

Then flip to the first chapter of Ephesians and read out loud Paul’s prayer in verses 15-21. Believe someone is being spurred to pray over you. Know in your heart that Jesus is praying for you. And the Holy Spirit is waiting to fill your soul with a special understanding you never knew before―a glimpse of how God is there and he cares.

I bet hope wells up again and your heart will see how precious you are to your Father in heaven. Our Lord never ceases in giving thanks for you because you have faith. It is still there. Let the Holy Spirit reveal it anew…again.

Lord, thank you for Paul’s precious prayer to the Ephesians. Remind me that I have been given an amazing hope through faith and that your Holy Spirit can provide me an eternal mindset that brings wisdom and revelation about God’s glory and love. Then, Lord, help me to live it and pray the same over others. Amen.

Throughout the Day: What phrase of Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 1:15-21 hits your heart right now? Ponder that today. Then tonight pray Paul’s prayer for someone else. Email or text it to them. Or perhaps, write it in their Bible.