Verse for today – “For this reason I too, having heard of the faith in the Lord Jesus which exists among you and your love for all the saints, do not cease giving thanks for you, while making mention of you in my prayers (Ephesians 1:15-16).”
Paul seems like a pretty good friend. After a detailed description of God’s love for the Ephesians, and God’s provisions for them, Paul announces his own prayers on their behalf. “I… do not cease giving thanks for you, while making mention of you in my prayers.” The depth, and insight, and thoughtfulness of Paul’s prayers are the subject of the rest of this chapter. Please read ahead if you want. This is not a “now I lay me down to sleep” prayer. Paul has thought about these friends and he is passionately pulling for each one.
How about you dear friend? Do you have someone passionately pulling for you? Praying for you? Concerned for you? And, are you pulling for someone else? I mean, really! This is God’s plan, hope, and dream for the church. As we enter the later chapters of this letter to Ephesus, we will discover just how passionate God is about the local church and its health. It is foremost in HIS mind! Today’s verses just provide a hint; but it is a good one.
Look again at Paul’s statement: “I… do not cease giving thanks for you.” Paul is thankful! He is thankful for his new friends and all that God is doing in their lives. He is thankful for their faith in God and for their love for others. I just can’t stop reading the verse! Paul’s joy and excitement keep shining through and drawing me in! I want to be a part of a church like that; wait, I am a part of a church like that! It shows in my prayers, in my thoughts, and in all my relationships. I am loved and supported by a group of dear friends who also know and love God! We are far from perfect, but we are growing, and we are the church. The church is not a building; it is not an institution! The church is the living, loving, body of Christ; called to know and follow God and love one another; called to be praying friends!