l am grateful to the Lord for all those people He has brought into my life who have encouraged me in my walk of faith. Paul sent a fantastic prayer of encouragement to the church family in Ephesus who were not having an easy ride in life and were being tempted to compromise their journey of faith. It can be found in chapter 3, verses 14 to 21. It's just as applicable for us today as we journey though life with the Lord.
Paul prays to the Father that;
Out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being (v16).
It's good to remember that as the children of God we are the temple of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit's indwelling in our lives will assist us to walk with Jesus today and into the future. Let's keep that temple fit for purpose.
That Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith (v17).
We are called to walk by faith in order to please Him. As we face various situations in life do we view them with the eyes of faith knowing the He cares for us and can use every situation for our good?
That together with all the saints we may grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ and to know this love that surpasses knowledge (v18 and 19). We can have confidence today because the love of Jesus is so wide that it can reach everyone, so long that it never runs out, so high that no other love can be greater and so deep because it was demonstrated by Jesus dying on the Cross.
As we continue our journey through Lent be encouraged in the Lord and think of someone today who could do with a bit of encouragement and pray this prayer for them. In doing so, remember that the Lord is able to do immeasurably more than all we can ask or imagine (v20).
Lent Prayer
Thanks be to you, our Lord Jesus Christ,
for all the benefits which you have given us,
for all the pains and insults which you have borne for us.
Most merciful Redeemer, Friend and Brother,
may we know you more clearly,
love you more dearly,
and follow you more nearly.
Amen.