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Ephesians Prayer Project When using this page to pray, replace (name of church) with the church, mission, or individual (pastor, elder, or other believer including your own name) as you pray
Praying For God's Plan and Will Ephesians 1:1-14
Thank God!	Praise you, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. In Christ, You have blessed the faithful, including (name of church), with every spiritual blessing. Even before the world was created, Lord God you chose them/us in Christ to be holy and blameless in your sight. You loved them/us enough to plan and set into motion a way for them/us to be adopted as Your sons through Jesus Christ.
The narrow way, specifically planned	We needed to be redeemed.    You provided the way for our redemption through His blood. We needed forgiveness of our sins.    You lavished grace on us. We didn't understand.    You gave us demonstrations, revealing Your plan to bring everything in heaven and on earth together under one leader, Christ.
Chosen .. Included .. Marked .. Sealed .. Redeemed ..	You chose us to find hope in Christ so we would praise You in Your glory. (You live in the praise of Your people.) You included us in Christ when we heard the word of truth, the gospel of our salvation, and believed that message. You marked us, sealing us with the Holy Spirit who was a deposit to guarentee our inheritance from You until You complete the redemption of all who are Yours.
Yours ..	How can we ever thank and praise You enough for all You have done for us?
Praying For The Church, the Organized Community of Believers Ephesians 1:15 - 4:16
Spotting Your trademark	Ever since I heard about the faith in the Lord Jesus of the believers of (name of church), I keep praying for them. Their overflowing love for other believers is evidence of how Your plan continues to work, and I keep on thanking You for them.
Wow! It's True! Your calling, inheritance, power	Lord, give (that church) the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so they all get to know You as Father. Open the eyes of their heart, Lord, so they know the hope of Your calling, the riches of Your inheritance in the saints, and Your great power for all who believe. You used that same power to raise Christ from the dead and to lift Him above every thing else, seating Him at Your right hand in heavenly places.
Generation upon generation	The people of (that church) started out like all of us - being alive scientifically but dead in the transgressions and sins of following the ways of this world. It never occured to them that they were slaves to anything, much less the spirit of disobedience. They followed what sinful natures crave, with sinful desires and thoughts, and they were responsible to You for their sins. They were blinded to the truth by the lures of lies and lusts. Whether they acted responsibly or irresponsibly about how they lived, there was nothing they could do to escape the dead zone of transgressions. They, as well as we, at that time were dead, spiritually unborn.
The Word	What happened? From our point of view, they heard something - truth! Something made them listen and believe it - truth! But it was really all about You, Lord.
You drastically changed us without our knowing or understanding how	You made us alive with Christ. What grace! You raised us up with Christ. You seated us - seated us! - with Christ Jesus at Your right hand. You demonstrated the wealth that grace is and will continue to be in the coming ages. Because of Jesus Christ, You are kind to us and give us the gift of salvation, the gift of grace, the gift of faith. "By grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast." (Eph 2:8-9) You worked all of this in us to make us part of Jesus Christ so we could do the good works that You prepared in advance for us to do after You saved us.
Unmerited grace	Nothing the members of (the church) did before believing had anything to do with receiving what You had planned for them. They heard your message, and believed it. Before belief, people are separate from Christ.
The importance of Israel is the Lord God	You worked for centuries with and through the citizens of the people Israel, and made covenants of promise with them. According to Your promise and Your instructions, men of Israel marked the bodies of their males with circumcision. Other people were not given this mark. Before belief, other people are excluded from citizenship in Israel and those covenants. In the world, people have no hope in, no access to, and little awareness of You, God.
The importance of Christ to Jews and Gentiles	But in Christ, people who were once far away from You, Lord, are brought near to You through the blood of Christ. Christ solved our separation problem and paid the price for peace. He is the solution to the hostile separation between Jews and Gentiles. He is the solution to the impossibility for anyone but Him to keep the law of God, with all its commandments and regulations. He made a new man, combining Jew and Gentile in a unique way, and reconciling this new man to You, God, through his death on the cross. Hostility died there. Christ came back and preached peace to people who were far away and people who were near. He gave us access to you, Father, by one Spirit.
What's new?	So we who aren't physically Jews are no longer foreigners and aliens. Through Christ, we become fellow citizens with Your people, Father, even members of Your household which is built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone of the building. I see this! In Christ, a living building is being knit together, rising to become a holy temple in the Lord, where You live by Your Spirit, Father God.
The mystery of Christ	Father, thank you for revealing the full picture of the mystery of Christ to Your apostles and prophets through the Spirit. You had kept this understanding hidden for generations. Through the gospel, the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. (Eph. 3:6)
Administrating the mystery of Christ	Thank you, Father God, for the people who seek Your grace and power as they serve Your gospel, preaching about the unsearchable riches of Christ and showing how the mystery is administered. In Christ, You accomplished what you always intended, and now, through Your church, including (name of this church), Your wisdom is being shown to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms. We know that in Christ and through faith in him, we may approach You with freedom and confidence. This is why, when (name of the church)'s church leaders suffer for us - your people, and we start to be discouraged, we can be encouraged and actually glory in their sufferings for spreading the message of Christ, even in other realms.
We remember people like ... whose words "Let's roll" on 9-11-1 followed praying The Lord's Prayer and seeking guidance, facing sure death to save the lives of others. more...
Agreeing with the apostle Paul in prayer	Because of all of this, the apostle Paul knelt before You, Father, and prayed for Your people. He realized that Your whole family in heaven and on earth derive their name from You. We join Paul in praying for (name of church) that out of Your glorious riches You may strengthen the inner being of believers there with power through Your Spirit, so that Christ may dwell in their hearts through faith. We pray that saints at (name of church), being rooted and grounded in love, may have power, together with all believing saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that they may be filled to the measure of all Your fullness. We ask this of You, who are able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to Your power that is at work within us, to You be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
The body of Christ	What response can the faithful of (name of church) make to You, then? Lord, make them aware of living a life worthy of the calling they have received. Make them aware of being completely humble and gentle, being patient and bearing with one another in love. Make them aware of Your desire for them to make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Show them that there is one body and one Spirit, just as they were called to one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all. You are over all, and through all, and in all.
Administering By Grace: Ministry Gifts	Father, make the part of the body of Christ that is (name of church) aware that Christ has given each of them grace and different gifts to use for Your purpose. You call, gift, and train some to be apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. Thank you for these gifts and thank You for the ministering leaders of (name of church) who are working in different ways but for one Lord. These leaders work "to prepare (Your) people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of (Your Son) and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. (Eph. 4:12-13)
Christians Without God's Leadership	Without following Your leaders, Christians in a church are "infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming." (Eph 4:14b)
Praying For Growth, Truth, and Working Together In Love Ephesians 4:15 -
Truthing in Love	Instead of turning aside to the latest popular doctrine being talked about, and falling for human schemes, thank you, God, that you open our understanding of the truth, your scripture. You lead us to dig deeper into Your word, and remind us to speak (and sing) your word to each other, in love. This is how You have planned for (name of church) to grow up into the family resemblance of Christ Jesus. (Name of church), just like other bodies, is joined and held together by supporting ligaments. You have planned for the faithful to grow and exercise in love to build this body up, as each part of the body does what it is intended to do.
"Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From Christ the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work." (Eph 4:15-16)
How NOT to live: clean up!	Thank you, Father God, that you insist that Christians of (name of the church) no longer live as non-believers do. Non-believers can't think themselves into belief. They don't understand spiritual things and are separated from the life of God because of the ignorance in them. Their hearts are hardened. They lose their sensitivity and one thing leads to another. They become more and more attracted to what is physical and sensual. They indulge themselves in poluted and impure things, activities, and companions, and continually want more.
New life	That isn't how (name of church) believers came to know Christ. First we heard of Jesus Christ. Then we were taught the truth in and about him. I needed to be taught to put off my old self and former way of life. The danger of that old life was that my life was being corrupted by its deceitful desires. I was taught to be made new by allowing You, Father, to give me an "attitude adjustment". Then I put on the new self that Christ made possible. That new self was created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
New Life Training and Self-Discipline	Father, help (name of church) to live this new life consciously in all they/we do and say. Thank You for training (name of church) to put off lying, and instead to speak Truth to their neighbor, for we are all members of one body. Thank You for providing Your Scripture (ie., truth) for them to apply to their own lives, too, like Psalm 4:4 "In your anger, do not sin". When angry, we are to deal with it that same day, so we don't give the devil a foothold. If any have been stealing, show them they must stop stealing and work - doing something useful with their own hands, so they can begin sharing with those in need.
What did you say?	Father, help (name of church) to put off unwholesome talk, and replace it with words that build each other up, focusing specifically on the need at hand, so it may benefit any who listen. Lord, help (name of church) not to grieve Your Holy Spirit who has sealed them for the day of redemption. Help them to get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, and all malice. Help them to be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ You, Father God, forgave us.
Honor Your Father	Let (name of church) see themselves as dearly loved children who imitate you, Father God. Let (name of church) live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to You, God.
How then shall we live?	Among the people of (name of church) get rid of even a hint of sexual immorality, impurity, or greed. These things are improper for Your holy people. So is obscenity, foolish talk, or coarse joking. These things are out of place. We want to replace such talk with thanksgiving. Paul has warned us that immoral, impure, and greedy people are idolaters and have no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Father, don't let any one deceive (name of church) with empty words, for because of such things Your wrath comes on those who are disobedient. (Name of church) can not partner with the disobedient.
The Way We Were vs The Way We Are	Lord, this change Christ made in the lives of people at (name of church) is like night and day. Before believing You, they were once darkness; now they are light in the Lord. Help them to live as children of light, for light produces all goodness, righteousness, and truth. And help them find out what pleases You, Lord. Help them to have nothing to do with the deceptively empty deeds of darkness, but rather to expose them. We know it's shameful to even mention what the disobedient do in secret, but everything Your light exposes is visable.
How then shall we live? Not foolish, but wise	Father, teach (name of church) to be very careful how they live, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Teach them not to be foolish, but to understand what Your will is. Teach them not to get drunk on what they drink, but only on being filled with the Holy Spirit. Teach them to speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Lead them to sing and make music in their heart to You, Lord, always giving thanks to You, the God and Father, for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
How then shall we live? Relationships	Father, teach (name of church) how You want them to live in love, as a Christian community. Teach them to submit to one another out of reverence for Christ, and by obeying You, Lord, to learn more about Christ's relationship with the church.
Submitting: wives and Christ	Father, help the wives at (name of church) to submit to their own husbands. Show individual wives that being subject to their own husband teaches how to submit to the Lord. The husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church. The church is Christ's body, and He is the savior of that body. So as the church submits to Christ, so should wives submit to their husbands in everything.
Loving: husbands and Christ	Father, help the husbands at (name of church) to love their wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy. Christ cleansed the church, His bride, by washing her with water through the word. And Christ gave himself up for her to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or other blemish, but holy and blameless. This is how husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. How does a man treat his own body? Doesn't he feed and care for it? This is what Christ does for the church, the members of his body. "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh." (Gen 2:24) The relationship between Christ and the church is a profound mystery that You, Lord, demonstrate by the relationship between a husband - loving his own wife as himself, and a wife - respecting her own husband.
How then shall we live? Children & Fathers	Father God, train children to obey their parents in the Lord because it is right. "Honor your father and mother" is the first commandment with a promise "that it may go well with you and that yo may enjoy long life on the earth." (Deut. 5:16) Lord, train fathers not to exasperate their children, but instead to bring them up in Your training and instructions, Lord.
How then shall we live? Workers and Bosses	Lord, train slaves to obey their earthy masters with respect, fear, and sincerity, just as they would obey Christ. The idea isn't to obey them only when the boss is nearby and watching, but to practice obedience as slaves of Christ who do the will of God wholeheartedly. Lord, you have let us know that you will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free. Masters are to treat those working for them in the same way. Train us not to threaten those we supervise. Remind us that You, Lord, are the heavenly Master both of slaves and free, executives and laborers here on earth, and You show no favoritism.
How does this word become flesh?	To sum this all up, Father God You want (name of church) to be strong in the Lord and in Your mighty power. They/We are to put on the full armour that You supply, to be ready to take a stand against the devil's schemes. The struggle is not against flesh and blood - not husbands, wives, fathers, children, bosses, nor workers. The struggle is not against each other nor ourselves. The struggle is against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
This fight relies on hearing, recognizing, obeying God	This is not like any fight we have ever had with other people. This challenge requires that we put on the full armour that You supply, not when the fight starts, but well in advance of the fight. Then when the day of evil comes, (name of church) will be able to stand their ground together and, listening to and doing everything You say, to stand firm.
Put this on and learn to use it - in training every day	Father God, you have issued armour for (name of church) to put on and use. The belt buckled around their waist is truth. The breastplate is righteousness. The boots are ready with the gospel of peace. The shield for extinguishing all the flaming arrows of the evil one is faith. The helmet is salvation. The sword of the Spririt is the word of God.
The attack can come in thoughts that say, "This (idea, activity, desire) has nothing to do with God." Wrong	Practice using the sword by praying in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. Then keep alert and always keep on praying for all the faithful, the saints. And Father, remind (name of church) to pray for those who are out in the world, spreading the gospel message and explaining it to others who hadn't believed before. Remind them to pray that whenever they open their mouths, You will give them words to fearlessly explain the mystery of the gospel. Father God, strengthen Your ambassadors. Some of them are in chains, imprisoned for the faith. Father, give them boldness not to fear as they declare Your word, as they should.
Stay in touch	When (name of church) gets messages by letter or in person from others who are your faithful servants, Lord, whether missionaries, pastors, or other believers, let the news of how they are and what they are doing encourage (name of church).
"Peace to the brethren, and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love." (Eph. 6:23-24)

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