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Focus:

 

Ephesians 1:15-23

 

'Ever since I first heard of your strong faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for God’s people everywhere, I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance. I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms. Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come. God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church. And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself.'

 

https://www.bible.com/bible/116/EPH.1.15-23

 

Upward:

 

V 18-19: Hope & Power

 

In a world filled with many things that leave us powerless, we need to be reminded that our God is powerful and our ultimate source of hope. Think about something that's currently weighing on you and compare it to His power over death and sin. Hold onto His strength.

 

Inward:

 

V 17-18: Asking for Insight

 

The need for insight is a constant call for the life of a Jesus-follower. Sometimes simply praying the scriptures will help frame that need for our hearts to ask. Take these verses and pray them over your life:

 

My glorious Father, would you give me wisdom and insight so that I might grow in your knowledge. Flood my heart with light so that I may understand the confident hope You have given to me—as I am a part of your holy people whose a part of your rich and glorious inheritance. '

 

Outward:

 

V 15-16: Giving Thanks for Others.

 

Make a list of the people who have made a difference in your life; big or small, then pray for them by name. Try to include why you appreciate them or pray about specifics going on in their lives. Take it another step further by reaching out to at least one person by meeting together, calling them, sending a text, writing a letter, or giving them a gift.