This is Paul's prayer (from prison) for the believers at Ephesus, and it applies to modern-day believers as well.
- First he prayed for strength in the inner man--inner strength--through the Holy Spirit. v. 16
- Secondly, he prays that Christ will be at home in your hearts as you trust in him. The King James version words it this way "That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith;..." The word "dwell" means that Christ will be "at home" in your hearts. Ideally, home is place where we are completely comfortable and completely accepted. This is how Christ should feel as He dwells within each of us. And we should feel equally "at home" with Him.
Psalm 69
We see more trouble for David in this Psalm, and it can be applied in 3 ways. First, of course, David himself is in distress and is crying out to God for help. It is also prophetic of Jesus' ministry and His suffering, His enemies, His rejection, His devotion to the Father. Parts of this psalm are quoted throughout the New Testament. And thirdly, it applies to us. We can only hope our sufferings are not as great as David's, but we really are not promised an easy life.
As we read through the first verses, we are reminded that it's OK to "complain" to the Lord and to be honest with Him about our frustrations. And then like so many psalms, we are given hope at the end.
"I am suffering and in pain. Rescue me, O God, by your saving power. Then I will praise God's name with singing, and I will honor him with thanksgiving. For this will please the Lord more than sacrificing cattle, more than presenting a bull with its horns and hooves. The humble will see their God at work and be glad. Let all who seek God's help be encouraged. For the Lord hears the cries of the needy; he does not despise his imprisoned people." vv. 29-33
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