I have heard the prayer from Ephesians 1:15-19 many times including last week as we celebrated the beautiful life of Tracey Walling. Since hearing this prayer read by Dolly Mills, I have meditated on this prayer again. At the heart of this prayer is the revelation of the greatness and importance of prayer.
It is remarkable to me that in all of Paul's writings (to my knowledge), his prayers for his friends and the churches contain no appeals for changes in their circumstances. It is certain that they lived in the midst of many dangers and hardships. They faced persecution, death, disease, oppression and separation from loved ones. Yet in these prayers, I see not one petition for a better emperor, healing from disease or even bread for the next meal. Paul doesn't pray for the goods we would usually have near the top of our lists of requests.
Does that mean it is wrong for us to pray for such things as bread, healing and protection? Not at all. As Paul knew, Jesus himself invites us to ask for our "daily bread" and that God would "deliver us from evil." In 1 Timothy 2, Paul directs readers to pray for peace and for the needs of the world. In his own prayers, then, Paul is not giving us a universal model for prayer in the same way Jesus did. Rather, in them I believe he reveals what he asked most frequently for his friends - what he believed was the most important thing God could give them.
What is that? It is - TO KNOW HIM BETTER. Is this what I pray for when I make petitions for my children, my family and my friends? I must admit that I am challenged to begin praying for my children, my family and my friends in this way! Paul explains in verse 17 - "I keep asking that....you may know him better." I believe that Paul sees this fuller knowledge of God as a more critical thing to receive than a change of circumstances. More than good circumstances, Paul sees the importance of communion and fellowship with God!
If you are reading this to the end, know that my prayer for you is that regardless of whatever circumstances you are facing in your life right now - you will know God better!
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