Wednesday June 1, 2022

Today is Wednesday, June 1 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 rejoice in God’s mercy and grace praising him with the words of Psalm 103.

He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. Psalm 103:10-12

Pause and Pray

The first three chapters of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is a doctrinal section primarily concerned with the great facts of the redemption God provides through Jesus Christ. I begin this summer journey endeavoring to understand deep spiritual truths regarding my relationship with God. I am made in God’s image and bear his image, but sin has distorted that image. When Adam and Eve were deceived by the serpent, disobeyed God and ate the forbidden fruit, they fell into sin, were banished from Eden and separated from God. Along with all human beings I have inherited this original sin. There is no way to repair my separation from God, except through the sacrifice and redeeming blood of his Son Jesus.

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ. Ephesians 1:7-10

I am born with a sinful nature, my soul separated by a great chasm from a loving and holy God. In Jesus, I have redemption through his blood. I am redeemed or “bought back” and restored. I can’t pay the price for my redemption myself; only the Messiah is able to do so. His blood shed for my sin paid the price once and for all. I am forgiven entirely and the riches of grace are lavished upon me – God is not stingy with his grace for me, he pours it out generously and extravagantly. It was because of God’s good and pleasing will, his great wisdom and complete understanding, that a way was made for me. I am restored to a right relationship with God. The time fulfilled and purpose perfectly accomplished through Jesus.

Ask: How and when has God “lavished” grace upon me? Have I fully comprehended the cost of my redemption?

Pause and Pray

Heavenly Father, I believe the truth of Jesus Christ and am ever grateful for my redemption and forgiveness of sins. Jesus’ blood was shed for me. Thank you for the sweet richness of your amazing grace that pours out upon my corrupt, broken, degenerate soul and saves a wretch like me. Help me comprehend the abundance of your love found in Christ to make a way home for me. I read the words from Ephesians again and listen for the message you have for me.

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ. Ephesians 1:7-10

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

Summer is a time for me to slow down and listen for God’s voice speaking to the ears of my heart. I want to hear the message God whispers over my soul each day. I want to know the mystery of his will for me and the good pleasure he takes in my salvation. I want to realize his great plan for the restoration of earth and reunification with heaven. Amazingly, I am a part of the great rescue plan for lost humanity. Perhaps God wants me to recognize the essence of my forgiveness and redemption. Maybe God wants me to experience the lavishness of his grace – lovingly poured out upon the depths of my shortcomings and transgressions. Perhaps God invites me to participate in the rescue of others.

Pause and Pray

Holy and blessed Lord, I kneel at the foot of the cross of Calvary, holding high the hands of my heart, longing to feel your love poured over me. I confess the depths of my sinfulness and the sorrow of my trespasses and humbly ask for the blessing of forgiveness and redemption by your precious blood. Amen.

For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:13-14

I leave this time of prayer rejoicing to be a sinner redeemed by the Lord. I go to share the good news of Jesus Christ with a lost and broken world.

Amen