This post is Day 5 in a series of studies about “Followers of Jesus”. I strongly suggest you begin with the introduction to this study, please click here to read it.

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Followers of Jesus – Day 5

The letter to the Ephesians is very rich, several months ago we did a study on the spiritual blessings contained in those short chapters. I think it is one of the most informative letters of Paul. What is different at the end of this letter is he asks for prayer.

Ephesians 6:19-20

Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

The Thought

These words remind me of the “Action” we did yesterday after challenging ourselves to believe and put into practice what the Bible says. Here, Paul was praying a similar prayer. He was asking the church in Ephesus to pray with him; that he would fulfil his calling to speak and act for Jesus, without fear. It is good to know that those first disciples had the same hesitation, and needed the same encouragements as we do today.

The letter to the Ephesians is very rich, several months ago we did a study on the spiritual blessings contained in those six short chapters. I think it is one of Paul’s most informative letters. But what is different at the end of this letter is that he asks for prayer. Only twice does he end his letters asking for prayer; here, and at the end of his first letter to the Thessalonians where one of the shortest verses of the Bible says Brothers, pray for us. (1 Thessalonians 5:25).

Even the great St. Paul who had such a life changing vision and was taken to the third heaven (2 Corinthians 12) needed prayer. He asked for it from people he loved and trusted. No matter how long we have known the Lord, or how good our relationship is with Him, we all need prayer.

Action

Pray today for those who encourage you in your faith whether they are television and internet speakers or local pastors, priests or friends and family. Thank God for each one of them and for their devotion to Jesus.