Get Serious

I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.  – Ephesians 1:16

There are many ways to reach out to your brothers and sisters in Christ. Whether it be acts of compassion, giving, or encouragement, the greatest thing you can do for someone else is to pray for them. Prayer is not something to do to be holy and righteous, it is not wishful thinking or a mere sending of positive vibes to someone. Prayer is interacting with Almighty God, the Creator of the Universe, the lover of every soul, the God with whom anything is possible. The judge and prophet Samuel said to the people of Israel, “Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for you” (1 Samuel 12:23). 

The apostle Paul also considered prayer serious business. He prayed for believers in the early church. Some of the most beautiful prayers recorded are Paul’s intercessory prayers. In Ephesians 3:18, he prays that they will understand “the breadth and length and height and depth” of God’s love. It is common to pray for physical needs and salvation of souls, but how often do God’s people pray for fellow believers’ daily walk with Him? 

As you intercede for the nation, pray for fellow believers, especially those in positions of authority, for a deeper relationship and walk with the Father in Jesus. Pray that they will understand the dimensions of His love. Ask the Lord for a greater understanding of His desire for relationship for yourself and for believers around you. Remember to thank God for fellow believers, especially that God has put in your circle of friends and acquaintances.  

Today’s Verse: Ephesians 1:16

I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, 

All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Recommended for further reading: Ephesians 3:14-21

14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. 

20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. 

All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.


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