Ephesians_3
ScriptureEphesians 3:16-1916 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.ObservationPaul, speaking to the Gentiles, shares of his experience and asks them not to become discouraged because of his sufferings. He then goes on to pray one of my favorite prayers over them. UnderstandingWhat a powerful prayer…and one of my favorites. In fact, the NLT is something I hope and pray over my kids often – that their “roots will grow down into God’s love and keep [them] strong.” And if you back it up a few verses, I love the way Paul prefaces the prayer – “14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family[a] in heaven and on earth derives its name.” – a profound reminder of God as the source, the creator of all. And, then, fast forward a bit and you’ll see that Paul ends with giving glory where glory is due…20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.Life ApplicationI want to spend my day praying this over everyone I meet and interact with – praying empowerment over them through His Spirit, praying that Christ will make His home in their hearts, that they’ll be strong in God’s love and that they’ll catch hold of just how deep, how wide, how long and how high God’s love is. It’s a transformational love, a soul shifting love, incomparable and undeniable. God, may everyone I encounter today experience you in that way. May I be a conduit of your love, a seed planter, a testimony sharer, a faith builder. Guide my steps, take hold of my words. May I be of use to you today. In your name, I pray. Amen.