Ephesians 1.15-23 (1)
Pray Psalm 48.1-3.
Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised
In the city of our God,
In His holy mountain.
Beautiful in elevation,
The joy of the whole earth,
Is Mount Zion on the sides of the north,
The city of the great King.
God is in her palaces;
He is known as her refuge.
Sing Psalm 48.1-3.
(Cwm Rhondda: Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah)
Great is God, now greatly praise Him in the city of the LORD!
Holy she, His lovely mountain, great and glorious by His Word!
God her King is great within her, He, her Stronghold ever sure!
He, her Stronghold ever sure!
Read Ephesians 1.15-17; meditate on verse 16.
What words describe Paul’s prayers? What words would you use to describe your prayers?
Preparation
1. What prompted Paul to pray for the Ephesians?
2. What did he seek for them?
Meditation
Paul, a prisoner in Rome, received a good report on the church in Ephesus (v. 15), and this prompted him to renewed prayers on their behalf (v. 16). Of course, he had been praying for them before; but now, it seems, this good report led him to include mention of them whenever he prayed.
Prayer like that can take time, especially since Paul was doubtless praying for other churches as well. But prayers like that can also be spread throughout the day, either at set times of prayer or as responses to promptings from the Lord that might come in various ways. This is how we need to pray for our own church—regularly, faithfully, and as often as the Lord leads.
It is significant that, as we shall see, what Paul prayed for them was greater spiritual vision to go along with the greater appreciation of spiritual blessings he outlined in verses 3-14. Paul asked God the Father that the “Spirit of Wisdom” (not, I think, as NKJV has it, “a spirit of wisdom”)—that is, the Holy Spirit Who embodies the Wisdom of God in Jesus Christ—might lead the Ephesians to a more enhanced knowledge of Himself through the revelation He has given (v. 17). Eternal life is to know God and Jesus Christ (Jn. 17.3). We must increase in such knowledge, both as individuals and churches, if we are to realize our calling. And that knowledge comes to us, in the first instance, from the revelation of God in Scripture.
Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians is thus for more of God’s Word and Spirit leading to more of Jesus for more of God Himself. Thus should we also pray for our church.
Treasure Old and New: Matthew 13.52; Psalm 119.162
Individual churches are a small rendering of the Church worldwide.
And the Church worldwide is a small foretaste of heaven—then the new heavens and earth.
But the family is the crux and heart of the church, then the Church, then glory.
Two of our four beloved children are faithfully walking with the Lord.
Daily all four are prayed for. But those two who love the Lord Jesus—Kristy and Ashley—oh my, how grateful I am to pray this prayer for them:
“I know of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints,
and I do not cease to give thanks for you” (for so many reasons);
but mostly, dear ones, that “the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory,
may give to you the Spirit of Wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him,
the eyes of your understanding being enlightened;
that you may know what is the hope of His calling,
what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,
and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe,
according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ
when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places” (Eph. 1.15-20).
And that you would know how much God loves you, and that we love you.
“For God is my witness, Whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of His Son,
that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers…” (Rom. 1.9).
“Beloveds, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.
For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you,
just as you walk in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth” (3 Jn. 1.2-4).
“May He grant you according to your heart’s desire, and fulfill all your purpose.
We will rejoice in your salvation, and in the Name of our God we will set up our banners!
May the LORD fulfill all your petitions” (Ps. 20.4, 5).
Our prayers for the church, and the Church, start with the family, then move out in concentric circles to “Jerusalem, and Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1.8).
It is a lot like keeping the Law. If we can’t make it work at home, what are the chances we’ll succeed elsewhere?
And our rejoicing over God’s people covers all the earth. Just as Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians was “thus for more of God’s Word and Spirit leading to more of Jesus for more of God Himself” to be spread throughout our homes, and churches, our neighborhoods, and to the uttermost parts of the world.
Pray. Rejoice. Pray.
Reflection
1. How do you understand what it means to pray without ceasing?
2. How do you practice praying without ceasing?
3. What are some things you might do to improve prayer without ceasing?
God has laid up spiritual blessings for us in his Son the Lord Jesus; but requires us to draw them out and fetch them in by prayer. Even the best Christians need to be prayed for: and while we hear of the welfare of Christian friends, we should pray for them. Even true believers greatly want heavenly wisdom. Matthew Henry), Commentary on Ephesians 1.15-23
Pray Psalm 48.4-14.
Thank God for your church, its leaders and members, all its activities and outreach, and its weekly service of worship. Pray that God will make Himself known to your church with greater clarity, conviction, and power.
Sing Psalm 48.4-14.
(Cwm Rhondda: Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah)
Earthly kings, amazed and wond’ring, look upon the Church with fear.
See them flee in dread and anguish, knowing that the LORD is near.
For the city of the Savior God will keep forevermore!
God will keep forevermore!
For Your grace and lovingkindness we proclaim Your matchless worth!
As Your Name is, great and boundless, let Your praise fill all the earth.
Let Your people sing rejoicing for the judgment of Your truth;
for the judgment of Your truth.
Walk about the blessèd city, see her beauty, see her power.
Count her ramparts, filled with glory, look on every mighty tower.
Tell her glory to the nations: God will guide her evermore;
God will guide her evermore!
T. M. and Susie Moore
If you have found this meditation helpful, take a moment and give thanks to God. Then share what you learned with a friend. This is how the grace of God spreads (2 Cor. 4.15).
Other columns of interest this week: In our ReVision series on “The Kingdom Economy” we are looking at commerce from a Kingdom perspective. Our Read Moore podcast continues readings from the book, Such a Great Salvation. In our Crosfigell series on Brendan of Clonfert, the saint is making progress in his journey to find The Promised Land of the Saints. Click here to see all the other columns and writers available to you.
And please prayerfully consider supporting The Fellowship of Ailbe with your prayers and gifts. You can contribute online, via PayPal or Anedot, or by sending a gift to The Fellowship of Ailbe, P. O. Box 8213, Essex, VT 05451.
Except as indicated, all Scriptures are taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. For sources of all quotations, see the weekly PDF of this study. All psalms for singing are from The Ailbe Psalter.
