Praying for You

There are several ways to pray and really none are right or wrong as long as you are praying according to the heart of God. No doubt nowadays the best way to be sure that is the case is to make sure your prayers align with the teachings of scripture. Some of the more basic things we already know. For instance, we know that we should pray for each other on an intercessory basis. We know that we should pray for ourselves, not selfishly but with a heart to draw nearer to God through Christ and in the power of the Spirit. Often we do this kind of praying when we have big decisions to make. For in those big decisions, if we make them aloof, the consequence could be pulling away from God rather than drawing near. Many of us often pray for our ministries and guidance form the Holy Spirit on the direction to lead His people. Again, there is no wrong way to pray unless your prayers are not an effort to seek the heart and face of God, conforming you to be more like Him.

As your Pastor, I can tell you a common prayer that shapes my morning for you. It is found in Ephesians, but that is not the only place the Paul prays like this. And while I won’t quote the whole prayer you can read it for yourself in Ephesians 1:15-23. Beware, it is deep and thought provoking. Still, I do want to share with you the beginning of the prayer. Ephesians 1:15-17 contains the beginning of my pray for you as Paul does.

Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him…

Please hear the words of encouragement in the beginning of this prayer. The Ephesians were exercising their faith in such a manner that Paul had heard of their faith and was moved by it. That is exciting, and I too, am moved by the faith of God’s people as they continue to draw closer to Him. As we continue to persevere and navigate the road ahead of us, please be in prayer. And please, don’t lose sight of your Savior. He is the way, the Truth, and our Life, even in times like this.

At the Feet of Jesus,
Pastor Jeff