Published 5/21/19
Read Ephesians 1:15-19
For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might.
Reflect
• In what ways can you intercede for your family and friends?
• Why are these kinds of prayers important?
• Have you witnessed God's answers to an intercessory prayer?
Cries for a nation. A prayer for someone's healing. Appealing to God for the salvation of a family member. These are each examples of intercessory prayer, and they are found all throughout both the Old and New Testaments. Today's passage is an example of Paul interceding for the church at Ephesus. He prayed for God's blessing on the people who worshipped there.
Intercession means praying on behalf of someone else. It is a powerful way to seek God's provision and direction on behalf of others, and there are so many situations in which this type of prayer is needed. Perhaps someone is unconscious--like someone who has been in an accident and is undergoing surgery, for example. Maybe someone is facing troubled times and is in need of prayer support. Our prayers could plead for protection and safety for foreign missionaries. Corporate prayers bring faith communities together as they focus on the needs of others. Or maybe someone close is spiritually lost and simply doesn't acknowledge God.
When we intercede for others, we draw close to Christ's heart--actually joining Him in prayer. In heaven, Jesus is our High Priest who intercedes with the Father for all of humankind.
Pray
Lord, Jesus, please bless my family. Bring comfort and healing to their lives. Amen.