Ever worry about your kids or someone you’ve invested in spiritually? Maybe you’ve experienced the nagging feeling of nervousness about their decision-making and choices? I have (and to be honest, will continue to wrestle with it as our kids get older), but I noticed something in scripture today that encouraged me and thought worth passing along.
In Paul’s letter to the Christians who lived in Ephesus, we have a model of something that’s both personal and powerful. He reminds them of awesome benefits they already had in Christ (1:3-14); followed by a heart-felt desire for them to receive in Christ (17-23). It’s like truth on a hinge, pivoting during verses 15-16 as he moves to what he’s praying on their behalf.
To be clear, our first priority is praying for them to trust Christ as Savior. Once they’ve made that decision, we should continue to pray daily for their maturity. As we do, here are the points Paul makes and some things we can breathe in prayer for those we love:
In Christ, he reminded them they were:
- Recipients of every spiritual blessing (v.3)
- Foreknown by Christ (v.4)
- Adopted according to His will (v.5)
- Accepted in Christ (v.6)
- Redeemed (v.7)
- Forgiven (v.7)
- Rich in His grace (v.7)
- Guaranteed an inheritance (v.11 & 14)
- Sealed by the Holy Spirit (v.13)
In Christ, he gave thanks and prayed for them:
- To receive the spirit of wisdom and revelation (v.17)
- To receive an enlightened understanding to know the hope of His calling (v.18)
- To know the riches of His inheritance (v.18)
- To know the exceeding greatness of His power toward them (v.19)
- To be mindful of Christ’s authority over all things (v.22)
- To remember Christ’s headship over the church (v.23)
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” – 1 Thess. 5:16-18
cchrisholland 