Friday June 3, 2022

Today is Friday, June 3 and we are studying Paul’s letter to the Ephesians chapter one.

As I settle in for a quiet time of intimate morning prayer, I breathe slowly and deeply and center my entire being – body, mind and spirit – on the God who loves me.

Pause and Pray

Holy Lord God, I am here to experience your loving presence and discover the message you have for me. Speak to me through the sacred words of holy scripture and give me insight to comprehend your wisdom and truth.
Amen.

I lift my heart to God and praise his faithfulness with the words of Psalm 16.

Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Psalm 16:5-8

Pause and Pray

The opening of the letter to the Ephesians contains one large sentence in the original Greek spanning twelve verses (Ephesians 1:3-14). English translations strive to break Paul’s voluminous thoughts into separate and distinct sentences. The entire section demonstrates who Jesus is and what our relationship is to God because of Christ. Ephesians explains that God’s will for humanity is redemption and restoration to right relationship. Paul succinctly tells us why we are made God’s people, it is for his glory. So important was this news that Paul described the exact steps involved in the process of conversion to Christ – hearing and believing.

You also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory. Ephesians 1:13-14

These ancient words speak directly to my heart this morning. I was included in God’s great rescue plan for humanity through Jesus Christ when I heard and believed. I remember the times I heard the message of truth about Jesus – the good news of my salvation from sin and death. I give thanks for those faithful messengers who shared the gospel with me so that I could hear and receive. I believed this truth and gave my life to Jesus – I am forgiven of my sins, saved from death and redeemed for life. I am marked in Christ with a seal – the promised Holy Spirit, a deposit guaranteeing my inheritance. I am marked like a legal document, stamped by the ring of a king – I am legitimate, official, and authentic. I bear God’s mark and am a part of his blessed family with a promised spiritual inheritance.

Ask: What in my life leaves its mark on me? In what way does God want to leave his mark on me? (Frederick J. Long, The Letter to the Ephesians)

Pause and Pray

Heavenly Father, I believe the truth of the gospel and rejoice in the salvation of my soul. Thank you for including me in your family, marking me with your seal and giving me the Holy Spirit to live in me, walk beside me and guide me. Thank you for the spiritual inheritance promised for me. Let me live to bring you glory in everything I do. I read the words from Ephesians again and listen for the message you have for me.

You also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory. Ephesians 1:13-14

Ask: What image, word or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage? What is God trying to say to me through these words of scripture?

Pause and Pray

I consider how these two verses from Paul’s letter speak to my life and circumstances today. What has been on my prayer list lately? Perhaps God wants to provide me with an answer or offer me the guidance I have been seeking. Maybe God wants to show me the next steps in my spiritual journey and the words, phrases or images that resonate with my soul provide the direction. Perhaps God wants me to realize what my relationship with him has been in the past, is in the present or will be in the future. Maybe God desires to reveal new ways I can live to bring him glory. I listen attentively to the whispers of his truth in love for me.

Pause and Pray

Blessed Lord, I am yours and you are mine – so be it. I invite the Holy Spirit to flood the depths of my heart and soul. Show me the seal of ownership that claims me as yours and gives me the power and grace I need to live a life worthy of the mark placed upon me. May the way I live my life bring you glory, honor and praise. Amen.

Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. 2 Corinthians 1:21-22

As I leave this time of prayer, I go to serve others and bring glory to God and his son Jesus Christ.

Amen