Compiled by Barbour Staff - Prayers of a Faithful Heart: Devotional Prayers Inspired by Ephesians 1:15-23

2014 by Barbour Publishing, Inc.

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Quiet your heart as you reflect on these devotional prayers, each one inspired by Ephesians 1:1523, and be drawn ever closer to the heavenly Father as you discover a deeper understanding and love for the One who holds the whole world in His hands.

I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all Christians. Since then, I always give thanks for you and pray for you. I pray that the great God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ may give you the wisdom of His Spirit. Then you will be able to understand the secrets about Him as you know Him better. I pray that your hearts will be able to understand. I pray that you will know about the hope given by Gods call. I pray that you will see how great the things are that He has promised to those who belong to Him. I pray that you will know how great His power is for those who have put their trust in Him. It is the same power that raised Christ from the dead. This same power put Christ at Gods right side in heaven. This place was given to Christ. It is much greater than any king or leader can have. No one else can have this place of honor and power. No one in this world or in the world to come can have such honor and power. God has put all things under Christs power and has made Him to be the head leader over all things of the church. The church is the body of Christ. It is filled by Him Who fills all things everywhere with Himself.

E PHESIANS 1:1523 NLV

So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do Gods will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.
H EBREWS 10:3536 NLT

Dear God, I need You. There are days when my faith slips away like a thief in the night, and I am unaware until I feel that emptiness inside me that signals life without You. Without faith my heart is hollow. Nothing can replace You there because I have given my whole heart to You. Renew my faith, Lord. Fill up my heart with Your unfailing love. When times hit hard and obstacles seem hopeless to conquer, give me hope. Remind me that trusting in You guarantees my reward in heaven. Reassure me that You are with me every minute of my day. Help me to endure the hollow times, and show me that they are a veil put there by the enemy to trick me into thinking that You have left me. I know, God, that You will never leave me. You have promised to be with me forever. Patient endurance is what I need now, patience in myself when I feel my faith wane and patience in You as You work out the plans that You have for me. Thank You, dear Lord, for hearing my prayer. Thank You for filling my heart with Your love. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

J EAN F ISCHER

For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus
E PHESIANS 1:15 NIV

Dear Father, what is faith, really? What was it about the Ephesians faith that impressed Paul so much? What does that look like?

One dictionary defines faith as complete trust or confidence in someone or something. Your Word says faith is the substance of what we hope for, the evidence of things we cant see (Hebrews 11:1).

Ephesus was an important, prosperous city. People came from all over to trade silver and other expensive items. It also boasted many cultural opportunities. Like many big cities, Ephesus carried much corruption. The Ephesians werent known for their quiet, wholesome lifestyles.

Yet a group of people there had embraced the Christian way of life. Despite their surroundings, despite their circumstances, despite the way theyd been raised, they trusted You. They had complete confidence that Christ was Your Son, and that Hed come to show them a better way. They knew no matter what happened, You were in control and You would take care of them.

Lord, I want to have faith like that. I trust You completely, even when I dont understand. I have confidence that You love me, that Youre working things out for good, that Youre kind and compassionate, and that You are in control. In the midst of a chaotic and corrupt world, I believe. I trust You. I have faith.