Thursday June 9, 2022

Today is Thursday, June 9, and today we are continuing to pray through chapter one of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians.

As I enter this time of prayer, I pause to be still, I slow down my breathing, and I seek to be more fully present with God in these quiet moments.

Pause and Pray

Holy Spirit, help me release my worries and distractions into your compassionate care as I rest in stillness with you. Amen.

I worship God, here and now, as I join with the ancient praise of all God’s people in the words of Psalm 145.

The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made. All your works praise you, Lord; your faithful people extol you. They tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might, so that all people may know of your mighty acts and the glorious splendor of your kingdom. – Psalm 145:8-12 NIV

Pause and Pray

Prayerfully, we read another small section from Ephesians chapter one. From the confinement of his prison cell in Rome, Paul writes to bless the followers of Jesus in Ephesus and he continues to guide them and urge them to come to know God even more. Clearly, Paul’s power to move about freely has been taken away from him. And so, as Paul is unjustly confined in this supposed powerlessness, he chooses to focus on the incomparable powerfulness of God.

That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. – Ephesians 1:19b-21 NIV

I struggle to even begin to comprehend the magnitude of God’s power. And, because I’m unable to relate to it, I sometimes struggle to just pause in faith and humility to appreciate its mystery and grandeur. God’s power was displayed, and for that matter is still being displayed, through the creation of the universe. God’s power was displayed, and is still being displayed, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. God’s power was displayed, and is still being displayed, through the sharing of divine authority with Jesus Christ. When Paul could have felt most powerless, he focused on describing the unconfined reach of God’s power.

Ask: Where do my thoughts turn when I am feeling powerless? How could I practice pausing and more fully appreciating God’s power in those times?

Pause and Pray

Holy Spirit, help me notice a particular word, phrase or thought you want me to carry throughout this day as I slowly read the passage once more.

That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. – Ephesians 1:19b-21 NIV

Ask: What word, phrase or thought from this passage is God’s Spirit guiding me to notice? How will I carry it with me throughout the day?

Pause and Pray

Lord, help me look inward and pay attention to what you have led me to see and hear. I invite you to transform me in these moments so that I might reflect the thoughts and actions of Jesus Christ throughout this day. Amen.

With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all… Acts 4:33 NIV

Lord, as I leave this time of prayer, make me ready to be faithful to you in every way. Jesus, make me ready to serve others with your compassion and grace. Holy Spirit, transform my inner thoughts and motivations so that all I do, I do to please you. Amen.