Eph. 3:17-21; Psalm 70

Eph 3:17-21

OK, we're looking at Paul's prayer which is a wonderful example of ways we can pray for one another as well as for ourselves. Today I'm going to apply it directly to us because, though it was originally written to the Ephesians, it is meant for all believers.

• First Paul asked God to give us inner strength through the Holy Spirit--a prayer we need daily. v. 16
• Then he prayed that Christ would be at home in our hearts as we trust him. v. 17
• As we trust Him more and more, and as we have a more intimate relationship with Him, our roots will grow down into God's love and keep us strong. Who among us doesn't need that? v. 17
• Then he prays that we will have the power to understand how wide, how long, how high, and how deep His love is. v. 18 God's love is wide enough to reach out to the whole world. It is long enough that we can never outlast or outlive it. It is high enough to extend to our highest joys and celebrations. It is deep enough to reach us when we are discouraged or even dying. We can never be outside of God's love!
• He prays that we will experience the love of Christ, even though it's too great to understand fully.
• As we experience the love of Christ, we will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. We have all the fullness of God available to us, but we must access it through our growing relationship with Him. Our faith will grow as we pray and absorb His Word. 

Paul ends the prayer with praise to God in vv. 20-21 "Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.

Psalm 70
David seems to be in a panic in the beginning of this psalm. "Please, God, rescue me!"...and make it quick! We've all been there when we pray out of pure desperation. But even though he was feeling pretty urgent, David still found it in his heart to praise God. Praise is important because it reminds us who we're talking to--the God of creation who is all-powerful, all-knowing, everywhere present--the God who loves us unconditionally (see Ephesians 3:18!)--the God who keeps His promises and so much more.

David's very life was being threatened, but he was able to find joy and gladness in the Lord. He admitted that he was poor and needy, and really, his only hope was in the Lord. And to be honest, this is true for all of us. God is the only one who can fill up our empty hearts and heal our hurts and bring us lasting joy. "You are my helper and my savior; O Lord, do not delay." v. 5