Thursday
December 9 Hope Ephesians 1:15-23
I
have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints,
and for this reason I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in
my prayers. I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory,
may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, so
that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to
which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among
the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who
believe, according to the working of his great power. God put this power to
work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right
hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and
dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in
the age to come. And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the
head over all things for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who
fills all in all.
****
“…so that, with the eyes of your
heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you…”
“My thoughts and prayers are with you.” How many times we have heard or spoken these
words! Especially throughout this
pandemic or when someone we know has suffered a great loss. We say them to offer support and comfort, of
course. Sometimes though, we don’t know
what else to say and the phrase can just sound tired and sad.
The author of this epistle begins
by telling the Ephesians that he remembers their community in his prayers. Then he goes on to actually share that prayer
with them - asking God to give them wisdom, and praying that they may know
God’s hope and power. What a wonderful
example of how to pray for others!
The next time the Spirit moves you
to pray for someone, try this: After you
have prayed, call or send the person a text or email and tell them! Tell them “I prayed for God to give you
strength today - I know you have a difficult day ahead.” or “I thanked God in
my prayers today - so glad you are on the mend!” Receiving that message of specific prayer
will be a wonderful sign of hope, encouragement and a blessing to your loved
one!
Prayer: Dear Jesus, you encourage us to come to you
in prayer. Help us to pray WITH one
another, as well as FOR one another, that we may know the hope to which you
call us. Amen.
S.
Deacon Barbara Meberg
Emanuel Lutheran, Pleasantville
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