The First 15

Tuesday June 7, 2022

Today is Tuesday, June 7, and today we are continuing to pray through chapter one of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians.

Opening Prayer

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.

Scripture Reading

I worship God, here and now, as I join with the ancient praise of all God’s people in the words of Psalm 111.

Great are the works of the Lord; they are pondered by all who delight in them. Glorious and majestic are his deeds, and his righteousness endures forever. He has caused his wonders to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and compassionate. – Psalm 111:2-4 NIV</strong>

Pause and Pray

We continue to prayerfully read through chapter one of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, a community where Paul once lived, preached and partnered with God to plant seeds of faith for over three years. Now from a prison cell in Rome, Paul fondly remembers the people of Ephesus, prays for them, and writes encouragement for them to continue growing as followers of Jesus Christ.

I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. – Ephesians 1:17 NIV

Reflection

I am intrigued that Paul specifically asked God to give the Christ-followers in Ephesus the Spirit of “wisdom and revelation.” Why wisdom and revelation? When I hear the word “revelation” I immediately think of the Holy Spirit revealing to me in some new way the mystery of God’s goodness, beauty and truth. In this way, I sense that Paul wants the Ephesians to not only know God better, but to also experience God more deeply, more truly, more intimately.

Ask: When have I received or been guided by “the Spirit of wisdom and revelation” so that I could better know and experience God’s goodness, beauty and truth? Is this something I could ask for in prayer today?

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.

I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. – Ephesians 1:17 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.

No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known. – John 1:18 NIV

Closing Prayer

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.