For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit[f] of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people...
Ephesian 1:15-18
I want to be a friend, a member of the Body, a sister, a daughter, a wife, a mom that prays. I want to pray earnestly, responding to God and his Word. Here, Paul is speaking of the Church at Ephesus. After hearing the word of truth, the gospel, the people in Ephesus believed in Jesus Christ and were given the gift of the Holy Spirit. I read these words, and I think, these are words to friends. Paul is proud of this church and thankful for their faithfulness. They have heard the word of God and responded to it.
He goes on to pray that they may have wisdom and that they may know God through his presence in their lives. And then he ends this section of the prayer with a request for hope. What a picture of love. Paul brings these people to the Father with such sincerity and confidence. God will be faithful to the Ephesians. He trusts that God will draw them closer to himself, allowing them to know him better and love his people well.
So, I say it again - I want to be this kind of friend. Today, I walked across campus with a strong sense of peace. I felt so incredibly thankful for the Body. Through conversations with friends, meetings with students, and an evening with our small group, I kept coming back to a place of gratitude. In the past, I've held onto these pleasant feelings and just stored them in my heart. That's a good start, but I'm learning that prayer is about responding to God's presence in our lives. So today, when I've sensed his presence strongly, I want to take gratitude beyond warm sentiments.
I want to say thank you over and over again for who you are God. You have drawn me to yourself through your Word, which is a new and growing part of life with you. And you've also revealed yourself to me through your people. I am surrounded by Ephesus-people. These are people that know you and love your truth. They are people who love others well and trust you deeply. They listen and obey; they respond to you rather than ask for your assistance. I am drawn to these people because they house your Spirit. Thank you for these faithful friends. Thank you for your presence in their lives and your ability to pour out grace in relationships.
Let me learn to be a friend that prays for other members of the Church. Let me love them well, pointing them to you and bringing their needs before you. I need and love your Church, Father. May I respond to you by faithfully loving others well.
Amen.