A Prayer For God's People
Paul’s prayer reaches over the miles and over the centuries. It is a prayer for God’s people in every place and every time. God answers this prayer because He cares for His people.
- The Lord has provided for our spiritual growth.
He gives us “a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him” (Ephesians 1:17). He “enlightens the eyes of our hearts” (Ephesians 1:18). He shows us “the hope to which He has called us.” He shows us “the immeasurable greatness of His power in us who believe, according to the working of His great might” (Ephesians 1:19).
- How does He lead us into spiritual growth? He leads us to our Lord Jesus Christ – His “Beloved Son.”
– In Jesus, we see the glory of God. Jesus is enthroned on high, seated at the Father’s right hand in heavenly glory, “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” (Ephesians 1:21). The Name of Jesus Christ is the Name which is above every name. His Name is the Name of our salvation. He is our Lord and Saviour.
– As Lord, He is “Head over everything.” “God has placed all things under His feet.” He exercises His Lordship on behalf of us – “for the Church” (Ephesians 1:22).
– Jesus Christ our Lord is pursuing His plan of salvation. He is establishing His Church, calling us on to our glorious, heavenly and eternal destiny. The Church is described as “His body, the fulness of Him who fills all in all” (Ephesians 1:23).
- What does it mean to be the body of Christ? A body without a head is a dead body. The church without Christ is no church at all.
– Christ is our Head. This reminds us of the importance of understanding in the Christian life. Paul prays that we may receive from God “a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him” (Ephesians 1:17). We must seek understanding of God’s Word.
– Christ is our Head. He is also our Heart. Understanding God’s Word involves more than our minds. It also involves our hearts: “having the eyes of your hearts enlightened” (Ephesians 1:18).
– Christ is our Head. He is our Heart. He is also our Hope. The Lord wants us to understand, with our heads and our hearts, “the hope to which He has called” us. He wants us to appreciate our “glorious inheritance” (Ephesians 1:18).