“Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.” Ephesians 1:2-3 NIV
SEEK HIM: Devotion is Meeting with God in Our Own Lives!
Once a year, the Family Disciple Me ministry especially focuses on prayer during our May You Pray series. In this year’s conversations, we’re going to look at a special prayer found in Ephesians 1:16-20. This passage will encourage and challenge us in powerful prayers. But first, let’s spend time with Jesus as we look at the beginning of Ephesians chapter one. So, “May You Pray and Start with Praise!” (For now, you can listen to this podcast episode for an introduction then begin to “Seek Him” by asking God the following what, why and how questions as you consider our theme verse.) Be encouraged!
WHAT: What is God saying through this Scripture?
In our theme verse, we see that God hasn’t just given us a few blessings. Through Jesus, God lavishes His people with every spiritual blessing, including grace and peace and so much more. The Apostle Paul praised God for this. The word for “praise” here actually means “blessed” or “worthy.” Because God is worthy to be honored and celebrated, before Paul prayed for any blessings for himself or anyone else, he started with blessing and praising God.~ What are some blessings God has given you? Read Ephesians 1:1-14 and name several things you can praise God for from these verses. Take a moment to pray aloud your gratitude to God for these blessings!
WHY: Why does this Scripture matter?
God wants us to come to Him with grateful hearts. Scripture says, “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. 5For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations” (Psalm 100:4-5). God’s goodness and blessing extend to us; we are part of the generations who experience His love and faithfulness. This should compel us to enter his courts with hearts full of praise. ~ How often do you dive into prayer without praise? Reread Ephesians 1:1-14 and try to count all the blessings listed. How does your heart respond to this?
HOW: How does God want us to respond to this truth?
Before we ask for blessings, we want to bless God. A praise-filled heart is a thankful heart. We praise God for who He is, and then: “In every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6). King David set an amazing example in this, promising the Lord: “I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever. 2Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever” (Psalm 145:1-2). Let’s follow his example and be people who present every prayer with praise, for ever and ever. Amen! ~ In how many situations does Philipians 4:6 tell us to pray and praise? How will you commit to practicing praise and prayer this month?
SPEAK HIM: Discipleship is Making God Known to Others!
Now that you’ve been time seeking the Lord, be encouraged to start speaking about Him to others! King David set a great example for us as his praise in Psalm 145 continued, “Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. 4One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts. 5They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty—and I will meditate on your wonderful works.” As we “Seek Him” in prayer and praise, then we too can “Speak Him” and encourage the next generation to seek and know Him, too! Who will you invite into prayer with you this month? Download this verse image and share it with your personal invite to someone!
