Title: The Perfect Prayer/ Topic: Intercession

Today's Reading: Ephesians 1; Ephesians 2; Ephesians 3; Ephesians 4

Scripture: Ephesians 1:16-19
16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17 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. 18 I pray also 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 the saints, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe.

Observation: Paul gives us here in these verses an excellent example of intercession. Oh, that we all would pray for each other like this! What could be better than all of us being enlightened in our understanding of wisdom, revelation, the sure hope of our salvation, and God's incomparably great power to accomplish anything that we need. How would I be different if others prayed this kind of a prayer for me? How could I help others in their walk with God if I prayed like this for them?

Application: I have often prayed that God would “fix” others so that they would not be bitter, angry or depressed. I have prayed for myself that way too (by the way, it's much more noble to pray for myself in that way than to pray for others in that way; there is danger anytime I assume I know best what needs fixing in others). This is a perfect prayer of intercession because when God answers it, a person would automatically get everything they need. Not only would they grow closer to God through all circumstances but they would see his power working in every situation. This prayer also does not assume any superior position to the one we are praying for.

Prayer: Father, help me to be one who intercedes for my family and friends with words such as these. What a perfect prayer for me and everyone else. Father, I do pray that you would give to me and t the entire Church a spirit of wisdom and revelation. I pray that we would receive enlightenment to know, understand, and appropriate the riches of our spiritual inheritance and the power you have given to us. May every situation we find ourselves in be productive in helping us to grow closer to you and become more like you. Thank you for giving us the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us into all truth. I love you Lord.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.