Ephesians: How to Love Like JesusSample

Devotional:

Prayer is a powerful part of our relationship with Jesus. But often, we can focus prayer around our own lives and forget the needs of others. In this passage, we see Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians and the importance of praying for one another. In verse 16, Paul speaks about his first response to the Ephesians’ faith — “I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.” Paul has been continually thankful for the church of Ephesus and opens his reflection on prayer with thankfulness. His prayer focuses on the deepening of faith, and that the knowledge of Jesus’ sacrifice would be at the center of the church. He prays for others, acknowledging the work that God has done, and asks that their faith would be powerfully impacted by Jesus. 

Questions:

1. How often do you pray? What do those prayers look like? How often do you pray for others who share your faith? 
2. In Paul’s prayer, he reflects on the work that God has done. Do you ever stop to reflect on all that God has done in your life, the church, and in the world? How could you change the way you pray, to acknowledge God’s power and goodness?
3. Think of a brother or sister in Christ. How could you reach out to them and spend time praying with them and for their walk with Jesus? 

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you for all You have done in my life. Thank you for the people You have put into my life, who have helped me on my journey of faith, and thank you for shaping me as Your child. I pray that I would continue to grow in wisdom and continue to fix my eyes on You. Amen.