In this section, we see Paul offer a prayer up on behalf of the believers at Ephesus. He begins by praying that God would give them strength through the presence of his Holy Spirit in their lives, and that through that they would allow Christ to dwell in their lives through their faith. He prays that they will have their foundation in love, and that they will be strengthened to understand the love of Christ which surpasses anything they will understand, and that they would be filled with the fullness of God. Paul ends the prayer by ascribing glory to the God who is able to do more than we can imagine.
"Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." Philippians 2:3-4
I think we see a very basic principle in this passage, and that is to simply pray for one another. I think the church today has really walked away from the being in the practice of praying for one another. I don't think we as often or as readily bear one another's burdens, and I don't think we pray to God in intercession for others as much as we should. I am just as guilty of it as anyone else.
I think we see in this section a good picture of what a believer's prayer life should look like, praying on behalf of one another, instead of the predominantly self-centered prayers our culture prays today.
LORD, help me to be mindful and aware of the needs of others, and help me to bring those needs before you in my own prayers. God, help make me less self-centered and more focused on others. Teach me to care for my brothers. Amen.
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