Read Ephesians 1:15-17

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] of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.

Pause.

We all have people who have impacted our lives greatly. Take a moment to reflect on the people you are thankful for. Perhaps it is a family member, friends, neighbor, pastor, or co-worker, church or organization. Thank God for that person or group of people right now, and pray that they would know Christ better.

Read Ephisians 1:18-19a

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, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.

Pause.

Growth is vital to the believer. God calls us in Psalm 1 to be like trees planted by streams of water, and in John 15 Jesus reminds us that we are connected to him and bear fruit only as we abide with Him. Take a moment to ask God to help your person of focus and the Church to grow deeply in the love and knowledge of God.

Read Ephesians 1: 19b-22

That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church,

Pause.

A mark of growth is maturity. We grow in maturity through the power of the Risen Lord. Use the above passage, as well as Psalm 11 and Matthew 6:5-15 to guide you as you pray for maturity in the the individuals you are praying for, as well as God’s Kingdom to rule and reign in them as they live in the way of Jesus with the heart of Jesus this week.

By Sheila Rennau