Ephesians 1:15–23 (ESV)
Thanksgiving and Prayer
15 For
this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, 16 I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, 17 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, 18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance
in the saints, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might 20 that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right
hand in the heavenly places, 21 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 one to come. 22 And he put all things under his feet and gave
him as head over all things to the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.
Several things stick out in today’s
reading. Paul is continuing to give thanks, praise, and prayer to the Ephesians. Yet listen to Paul’s wording “may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of
him.” This is not something we create in ourselves, but is given to us by God. Again: “that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you.” He is the one calling. Ephesians clearly sets out that our faith is a
gift… and if this is not clear… it will be in Chapter 2.
I pray: O Lord, help me to pray for others and not just for myself. Help me
to give thanks and praise to you and to others. Amen.