Read Ephesians 1

Highlights:

Spiritual blessings we have in Christ; prayers of Paul; unity of believers; Paul's mission to the Gentiles.

For through Him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father (Eph. 2:18).

During Old Testament times, God provided a way through the high priest for His people to offer acceptable prayer to Him. Only the high priest was able to enter into the presence of God. The people had to bring sacrifices to be offered up to God by the high priest. In turn, the high priest would offer up their sacrifice to God and pray for the forgiveness of their sins. God used the high priest as a type of Christ, as an intercessor between God and man. And the priest, whom he shall anoint, and whom he shall consecrate to minister in the priest's office in his father's stead, shall make the atonement, and shall put on the linen clothes, even the holy garments (Lev. 16:32).

Israel was God's chosen nation, therefore His Covenant with mankind was upon them. The Gentiles had absolutely no covenant agreement with God. But today, because of the atoning death of Christ, Jews and Gentiles alike who have accepted Christ as Savior have this wonderful privilege. We are much better off living under the New Covenant through God's son, Jesus, whereby God has now made a way for man to be heard.

God calls His people to set aside time to pray. Satan does not want us to pray and he continually seeks to destroy the spirit of prayer in every possible way. The enemy wants to attack our prayer life so we will not spend this much needed time with God. Once these communication lines are opened, then the Holy Spirit through the heavenly hotline (that is prayer), can strengthen us, encourage us and enlighten us for the purpose of fulfilling God's will. Prayer is a powerful thing for the believer. Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of His goodness, and the work of faith with power (2 Thes. 1:11).

This sacred privilege is also a great responsibility. Failure to pray is more serious than mere negligence. We need to commit ourselves to a lifestyle of prayer. It is a great shame to waste something so powerful that God has made available to us. Prayer is a great weapon given to us by God. When the people of God pray, He hears them.

And when He putteth fourth His own sheep, He goeth before them, and the sheep follow Him; for they know His voice (John 10:4).

Thought for the Day: The Christian cannot conquer evil without prayer.

Cross References:

For Eph. 1:22: See Ps. 8:6. Eph. 2:17: See Is. 57:19.

Word Studies:

1:8 prudence, spiritual insight, knowledge, and holy love of the will of God; 1:10 dispensation of the fulness of times, last period of the dealings of God with mankind on earth; 1:13 sealed, proof of ownership that we belong to the Family of God; 1:14 earnest, first installment of our inheritance; 2:1 quickened, made alive; 2:13 sometimes, formerly (not “occasionally”); 3:3 mystery, purpose of God which is hidden from the ungodly; 3:13 faint not, don't give up or be discouraged.

Prayer Suggestion: Lift up your heart to God in prayer (Lam. 3:41).

Memory Verse for the Week: Isaiah 7:14