Ephesians 1
August 1, 2022
“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 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,” (v16-18)
One of the ways Paul prays for those who already know Christ (v15) is that they might “know Him better” (v16). Specifically, he prays that they might “know the hope of His inheritance.” Paul knows that when believers have the “eyes of their hearts” opened to their glorious future, they will live differently in the here and now.
Father, I join together with the Apostle Paul in praying for the Spirit to open up the eyes of me, my family and my church family - to know Christ and the glorious inheritance He has planned for us. And may that knowledge fill our hearts with joy and gratitude - propelling us to live for You and point others to You.
— Pastor Joshua Brooks
Use the following steps to guide your daily time with the Lord…
-
Start with prayer. Ask God to open your heart to help you understand and receive His Word.
-
Read and observe the passage carefully. As needed, read a second Bible version to help with understanding.
➡️ What does it say?
What does this passage teach me about God? What does it say about my sinful nature and my need for God’s grace? How does this passage point to Jesus?
-
➡️ What am I going to do about it?
Does this passage include a promise to claim, an action/attitude to avoid/embrace, or a principle to apply? How can this truth apply to my life? What could my next step be? How can I share this with others? Is there a verse or section of Scripture I need to memorize?
