Dear Friends in the Faith!
We begin a new month of memory verses this Sunday. This October, we will meditate on and memorize Ephesians 1:17-21.
The Apostle Paul planted the church in Ephesus. The story is told in Acts 18-19. For two year he stayed in the city and his last communication with the elders is recorded in Acts 20:17-38. If you have a moment, read over these chapters for a clearer picture of Paul’s ministry in Ephesus.
This prayer we will memorize is introduced by Paul’s words of gratitude to the church.
Ephesians 1:15-16 NIV
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.
Paul is thankful because these people are brothers and sisters! They have truly experienced the salvation he defines in Ephesians 1:3-14. It is imperative we all thank God for His gospel, which will forever be good news for sinners.
Ask yourself: What is the best way I can thank someone? Maybe by saying it to them. Possibly giving a gift to show appreciation. But, perhaps, the best way is thanking God for them and telling them! This is Paul’s example. According to Ephesians 1:16, Paul’s prayers for them were persistent. May God give us grace to persistently pray for each other.
So, your mission today is this: Thank God for someone in your life and tell them about your prayer. If possible, pray for and with them!
Be encouraged as you thank God for others He has placed in your life.
Pastor Rick
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