Tuesday July 5, 2022

Today is Tuesday, July 5 and we continue our summer journey through chapter three of Ephesians.

I return to this familiar place every morning to seek God’s presence. I breathe deeply, still my body, quiet my mind, and draw near to the God who loves me.

Pause and Pray

Precious Lord, thank you for faithfully meeting me in this quiet corner. As the new day dawns, I long to hear a word from you. Speak to me through the sacred words of Ephesians and help me receive the unique message you have for me this morning. Amen.

I put my trust in the Lord alone and seek his strength with the ancient words of Psalm 73.

Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire other than you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:25-26

Pause and Pray

This week’s section of the letter to the Ephesians contains Paul’s prayer for the people of Ephesus. In verse sixteen of chapter three, Paul’s prayer begins to take shape. Each day’s reading will unveil more of the content of Paul’s prayer. This prayer is handed down to believers of every generation including my own. Ultimately this is Paul’s prayer and God’s absolute desire for me as well as my loved ones. I can use this prayer to pray for the people I love. Today’s pericope (Ephesians 3:16) intercedes for Christ followers to receive inner strength provided by the power of the Holy Spirit.

For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being. Ephesians 3:14-16

Whatever life dishes out I am to be strengthened by God with power inside of me. This power at work within me is the power of the Holy Spirit and it is far beyond my own capability. God’s power is a force that propels me forward, strengthens me daily and enables me to stand resolute. I am given strength to do good and power to resist evil. I pray for myself and others – Lord give us your strength. I pray God will strengthen my relationships, my marriage, my family, my children. I pray God will strengthen my church. Strengthen my faith. Strengthen my trust. Whatever I go through, whatever I cope with, whatever I worry about, in all my cares and concerns, troubles and burdens, God will give me strength. When I open myself to this strength it comes in and fills me with a power I could never attain on my own. God strengthens me from the inside out.

Ask: In what places of my life do I need the strength of God? How can I open myself to fully receive the strength God wants to provide?

Pause and Pray

Almighty Lord God, you are my strength. I humbly kneel before you and lay my worries at your feet. Out of your bounteous resources I ask you to strengthen me with power through your Holy Spirit in my inner being. Make me strong. Give me courage. Fill me with resilience. Awaken steadfastness and stability in the recesses of my soul. I read the words from Ephesians again and listen for the message you have for me.

For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being. Ephesians 3:14-16

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 seeks to speak to me through these verses of his sacred word and I endeavor to listen. I pray these words from Ephesians for myself and others. Perhaps I am the one that is needing God’s power and inner strength today, or maybe I am to pray for someone else. Maybe God wants me to realize I am putting limitations on what he can do, forgetting that his riches are abundant and glorious, beyond comprehension. In all things I am invited to turn to God, draw near to him and expect strength to arrive.

Pause and Pray

Holy Lord God, thank you for loving me and providing exactly what I need. Come, Holy Spirit, enter my heart with power and strength. I invite you into my places of weakness and fear, confident you are able to make me brave and resolute. I pray for others who need your courage and strength today. Amen.

Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation. Isaiah 12:2

The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights. Habakkuk 3:19

I leave this time of prayer, walking in the strength of my sovereign Lord, looking for opportunities to strengthen others in the name of Jesus.

Amen