The Wealth and Walk of a Christ Follower: “Praying For One Another”

Ephesians 1:15-23

Have you every struggled with prayer? Have you every wondered what exactly to pray? In John 14 Jesus says, “You may ask for anything in My name, and I will do it.” Have you every wondered what it means to pray “in Jesus’ name?”

One thing seems clear to all of us: praying for the immediate needs of others such as for physical, financial, or relational issues is appropriate. But it is interesting to observe that when we look at the various prayers recorded in the Bible, we see a different focus.

Paul wraps up chapter one of Ephesians with a prayer for his readers. This prayer gives us insight into some motives in prayer and Kingdom-level priorities for our lives. When you pray for your fellow Christians, what are the subjects of your prayers? I think if we choose the subjects found in Paul’s prayer of Ephesians 1:5-23 , we can be confident our prayers line up with God’s desires. Maybe that is what it means to pray in Jesus’ name?

In Christ,

Pastor Charlie

Notes:

• Pray for one another because of the shared wealth we have in Christ (v. 15).
• Pray for one another because of the shared love we have for one another (v. 15).
• Pray for one another to the one who can answer your prayers (v. 17).
• Pray for one another to experience a growing intimate relationship with Christ (v. 17).
• Ask God to increase their wisdom -- their ability to effectively apply spiritual truth to life.
• Ask God to increase their revelation – their insights and understanding of God’s truth.
• Pray for one another with a high value for spiritual sight (v. 18).
• Pray for one another to see life through the lens of Hope.
• Pray for one another to live life in the context of their inheritance (v. 18).
• 1 Peter 2:9
• “Possession” – “walk-around”
• It is the very kingdom of God.
• It is an inheritance that is guaranteed.
• It’s an inheritance that will last forever.
• We will share this inheritance with Jesus Christ Himself.
• It is an inheritance of the earth itself.
• Pray for one another to experience life with God’s power (v. 19-23).
• God’s power conquers death (v. 20).
• God’s power means Christ possesses ultimate authority in the universe (v. 20-21).
• God’s power is unstoppable (v. 21).
• God’s power places Christ in charge of His followers (v. 22-23).