Monday June 20, 2022

Today is Monday, June 20 and we continue to pray through chapter two of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians.

I come to this time of prayer bringing an open heart and open mind, quietly waiting for God to reveal truth to me and whisper wisdom over my soul.

Pause and Pray

Holy Lord God, I am here to experience your loving presence and discover the specific message you have for me. Communicate through the sacred words of holy scripture and help me carry your revelation throughout my day. Amen.

I revel in the comfort of God’s nearness and glory in the joy of his presence with the words of Psalm 73.

I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:23-26

Pause and Pray

The next section of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians (Ephesians 2:11-22) is focused on the unity of Jews and Gentiles. Paul had an ongoing interest in welcoming and integrating Gentile converts into the early church. He did not want them to be treated as inferior but considered as full members possessing equal rights and gaining mutual respect. Jesus Christ accomplished this unification of Jews and Gentiles overcoming former hostility and separation by the shedding of his blood on the cross. Paul compares the possibilities life holds before and after Jesus Christ making a sharp contrast. Life in Christ is something to truly celebrate.

Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (which is done in the body by human hands)— remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. Ephesians 2:11-13

Alongside the Gentile Christians living in ancient Ephesus, I remember my former state before I became a follower of Christ. At that time I was separated from God, excluded from citizenship in God’s kingdom, a foreigner to the covenants and an alien to the promises of God. I was without hope and without God in the world. A descendant of Adam and Eve, I bore the taint of original sin and was a lost soul drifting far away from the God who loves me. God did not choose to leave me there, but came to seek me, find me, and bring me home. Now in Christ Jesus, I who once was far away have been brought near to the presence of the living God by his blood shed upon the cross for the salvation of my soul.

Ask: How would I contrast life without Christ to life with Christ? When did I recognize I was far away from God and how do I currently experience God’s nearness?

Pause and Pray

Holy Lord God, thank you for loving me, thank you for not leaving me where I was – separated from you, excluded from your kingdom, foreign to your promise, and lost without hope. I did not even realize how far away I was from you and how destructive my former path was. Thank you for the blood of Jesus, shed to cover my sins and bring me close to your side. I read the words from Ephesians again and listen for the message you have for me.

Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (which is done in the body by human hands)— remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. Ephesians 2:11-13

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

God is always communicating with me, speaking to my heart and mind. I am the one learning to listen, adjusting the ears of my heart to tune-in to God’s speech. I consider what circumstances I am currently experiencing that these words from Ephesians address. Perhaps there is some portion of my life where I continue to doubt, consistently stray and do not experience God’s nearness. Maybe there is a circumstance where I feel separated, excluded or isolated from the Lord. Perhaps there is a situation in which I have lost hope and imagine God’s absence. God longs to draw me near to him so I can fully experience his closeness.

Pause and Pray

Blessed Lord, I expect to meet you in the words of holy scripture. I invite you to come near. Draw me close to your precious side, walk alongside me through my upcoming day, let me experience the joy of your presence, and remind me of your steadfast love. Amen.

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. James 4:7-8 (NRSV)

As I leave this time of prayer, I draw near to the God who loves me. I go to reach out to those who are far away from the God who loves them.

Amen