We are currently on the road with our two oldest grandsons, Dawson and Landon, celebrating Dawson's 13th Birthday (April 26). For obvious reasons we were not able to take them to the Mall of America as planned, so we are heading to South Dakota for some sight seeing, horseback riding, zip lining and whatever else we think looks like fun! Instead of a word study or devotional this week, I am going to share with you the three prayers of Paul that I pray for you (and your family)!
Ephesians 1:16-23:
16 I do not cease to give thanks for Brian, making
mention of Brian in my prayers. 17 [For I always pray to] the God of our Lord Jesus
Christ, the Father of glory, that He may grant Brian a spirit of wisdom and
revelation [of insight into mysteries and secrets] in the [deep and intimate]
knowledge of Him, 18 By having the eyes of Brian's heart flooded with light,
so that Brian can know and understand the hope to which He has called Brian, and how rich is His glorious inheritance in the saints (His set-apart
ones), 19 And [so that Brian can know and understand] what is
the immeasurable and unlimited and surpassing greatness of
His power in and for Brian who believes, as demonstrated in the working
of His mighty strength, 20 Which He exerted in Christ when He raised Him from
the dead and seated Him at His [own] right hand in the heavenly [places], 21 Far above all rule and authority and power and
dominion and every name that is named [above every title that can be
conferred], not only in this age and in this world, but also in the
age and the world which are to come. 22 And He has put all things under His feet and has
appointed Him the universal and supreme Head of the church [a headship
exercised throughout the church], 23 Which is His body, the fullness of Him Who fills all
in all [for in that body lives the full measure of Him Who makes everything
complete, and Who fills everything everywhere with Himself].
Ephesians 3:14-21:
14 For this reason, I bow my knees before the
Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 For Whom every family in heaven and on earth is
named [that Father from Whom all fatherhood takes its title and derives its
name]. 16 May He grant Brian out of the rich treasury of His
glory to be strengthened and reinforced with mighty power in the
inner man by the [Holy] Spirit [Himself indwelling Brian's innermost being and
personality]. 17 May Christ through Brian's faith [actually] dwell (settle
down, abide, make His permanent home) in Brian's heart! May Brian be rooted deep in
love and founded securely on love, 18 That Brian may have the power and be strong
to apprehend and grasp with all the saints [God’s devoted people, the
experience of that love] what is the breadth and length and height and depth
[of it]; 19 [That Brian may really come] to know
[practically, through experience for himself] the love of Christ, which
far surpasses mere knowledge [without experience]; that Brian may be filled
[through all his being] unto all the fullness of God [may have the
richest measure of the divine Presence, and become a body wholly filled
and flooded with God Himself]! 20 Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action
of His] power that is at work within Brian, is able to [carry out His purpose and]
do superabundantly, far over and above all that Brian [dares] ask or
think [infinitely beyond Brian's highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or
dreams]— 21 To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus
throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen (so be it).
And Colossians 1:8-14:
9 For this reason we also, from the day we heard of it,
have not ceased to pray and make [special] request for Brian, [asking]
that Brian may be filled with the full (deep and clear) knowledge of His
will in all spiritual wisdom [in comprehensive insight into the ways and
purposes of God] and in understanding and discernment of spiritual
things— 10 That Brian may walk (live and conduct himself) in a
manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him and desiring to
please Him in all things, bearing fruit in every good work and steadily
growing and increasing in and by the knowledge of God [with
fuller, deeper, and clearer insight, acquaintance, and recognition]. 11 [We pray] that Brian may be invigorated and strengthened
with all power according to the might of His glory, [to exercise] every kind of
endurance and patience (perseverance and forbearance) with joy, 12 Giving thanks to the Father, Who has qualified and made
Brian fit to share the portion which is the inheritance of the saints (God’s
holy people) in the Light. 13 [The Father] has delivered and drawn Brian to
Himself out of the control and the dominion of darkness and has
transferred Brian into the kingdom of the Son of His love, 14 In Whom Brian has his redemption through His
blood, [which means] the remission of his sins.
The very best personal prayers that we can pray for you, and then we pray in the spirit by the power of the Holy Spirit! We are expecting some extraordinary manifestations of God's power, His favor, His anointing, His protection, provision and safety, His Wisdom, knowledge and understanding, and His infinite love for you and your family! We love you all so much! Here is Hillsong with one of my favorite older songs called "Desert Song":
Verse 1:
This is my prayer in the desert
When all that's within me feels dry
This is my prayer in my hunger and need
My God is the God who provides
Verse 2:
This is my prayer in the fire
In weakness or trial or pain
There is a faith proved of more worth than gold
So refine me Lord through the flame
Chorus:
I will bring praise
I will bring praise
No weapon formed against me shall remain
I will rejoice
I will declare
God is my victory and He is here
Verse 3:
This is my prayer in the battle
When triumph is still on its way
I am a conqueror and co-heir with Christ
So firm on His promise I'll stand
Bridge:
All of my life in every season
You are still God
I have a reason to sing
I have a reason to worship
Verse 4:
This is my prayer in the harvest
When favour and providence flow
I know I'm filled to be emptied again
The seed I've received I will sow
Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!
