We need to learn from Paul how to pray for other believers in our family, in our church and across the world. Let’s not just pray for them to know earthly peace and prosperity, health and happiness. Let us pray for them to experience the spiritual privileges that come from embracing Christ and His cross—of knowing God better, of knowing the hope to which He’s called us, and of knowing the power which He has committed to bringing us home to be with Him.

Reflection
What are some things in your life that might need to change that would help motivate your prayer life? Consider the content of your prayer life. Does it reflect a desire to get God to fit into your plans or a desire to give yourself to God to fit into His? Who could you commit to praying for the way Paul prays here, that they would see grace in others, know God better, and praise Christ for His goodness as He rules over us? Paul encourages the believers in Ephesus by not only telling them that he is praying for them, but by telling them what he is praying for them. How might that look in your spheres of influence as you begin to pray for others and find ways to tell them about your prayers for them. We can pray for what they want, but more importantly, we must pray for what they need.