◄ What Does Ephesians 1:16 Mean? ►

Paul is a man who recognises the importance of lifting up other believers in prayer to the Father so that we may be spiritually enlightened and spiritually enabled to come to a deeper understand of who we are in Christ and what He has done for us. Paul's teaching equips us to live our "new life in Christ," to His praise and glory, not only in what we do but in who we are.

Paul is a man who demonstrates the godly principle of ongoing praise, ceaseless prayer, and continuous thanksgiving, knowing that this is the will of God for all His children. We can continuously thank God for what He has already done in our lives and make intercession for that which God will continue to do, as the Spirit conforms us into the image and likeness of the Lord Jesus with every passing day.

Paul does not pray for what we do not have. He prays that we come to a deeper understanding of what is already ours in Christ. Paul knew the importance of a spiritual understanding of the blessings we have already received as a free gift of God's grace through faith in Christ Jesus. And so his prayer is that the hidden Church age mysteries, that were revealed through Paul for our learning, would direct our lives, govern our thinking, rule our hearts, and enable us to develop a godly character that is well-pleasing to the Lord.

As we go through our days, let us have an attitude of thanksgiving to our wonderful Saviour, deepening our love and understanding of Him, to His praise and glory.

Heavenly Father, I pray that I may develop an attitude of perpetual praise, ceaseless prayer, and continuous thanksgiving for all You have done in my life and in the lives all who have trusted in Christ as Saviour. I pray that You will continue to do a good work in the lives of all Your children. May we depend on You in all things, grow in grace, mature in the faith, and show forth Your love in all we say and do, to Your praise and glory, AMEN.