“For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him…” — Ephesians 1:15-17
These verses recently gripped me as I read Ephesians. The Apostle Paul hears that the faith of the people in this church is strong. Their love for one another is obviously the real deal. Everything is definitely GREAT! But then, instead of moving on with a quick, spiritual high-five, Paul presses in. He tells them precisely what he’s praying for them.
And it’s the content of his prayer that strikes me. Simply put, he doesn’t pray for good health or an increase in finances. It’s certainly not a prayer for God to bless the hands that made dinner. Instead, Paul prays that God Himself would give these people the Spirit of wisdom and revelation. He prays this so that they’d know Him more! It’s specifically a prayer for the people who love God to love God more. Admittedly, it’s one that I often don’t consider.
There’s a brother at our church who’s been growing like crazy. He leads, serves, and is always making connections with new people. Along with that, he’s growing in God’s Word. I’m greatly encouraged to see the Lord work in His life. I’m also a bit inspired! However, I realized I don’t often consider praying for him the way Paul would.
These verses in Ephesians have reminded (and encouraged) me to start praying more like this! It’s not simply to thank God for what He does in other people’s lives. More than that, I want a desire to pray for those who know God to know Him even more.
Be More Like This
That’s the kind of Believer I want to be. I want to pray for others to know Him more deeply! My heart is to be the person who not only sees the faith in others but also prays. Prays that God would continue to reveal more of Himself to them.
This is my challenge for you the next time you see God working in someone’s life. Think about what He’s doing, and don’t just cheer those people on. Of course, you totally should do at least that. But I would challenge you to start praying for them like Paul does in Ephesians. Ask the Lord to blow their minds with more of His goodness. Additionally, pray they’re anchored even deeper in Christ. And on top of that, He’d give them more of the Spirit of wisdom and knowledge of Himself.
“For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God…” (2 Timothy 1:6)
Honestly, it’s a beautiful thing to watch people fall more in love with Jesus. And it’s even more beautiful when your heart burns to pray them deeper into that love.
May we be Believers who don’t just witness the flame but also be those who faithfully fan it.
Posted in A Word from the Pastor