EACF 40 Days of Prayer - January 14, 2020

EACF 40 Days of Prayer 2020
Day 14: Pray for Intimacy with Christ

For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
   Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. - Ephesians 3:14–21 ESV

The next part of our prayer here focuses on a short statement - so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. What does Paul mean here, especially since Christ ascended back into heaven? The Spirit of Christ, the Holy Spirit whom He sent, dwells in us. Jesus breathed on His disciples (John 20:22) and told them to receive the Holy Spirit.

Do you sense Christ's presence in your life? Do you feel like reading the Bible is more like reading a history book and you're just trying to extract some principles, lessons, knowledge to help you get through your days? Or is the Bible a living text that introduces you to a living God who is alive and active in your life each day?

And even if He is alive, is He more of an acquaintance, someone your friend knows real well and you kind of know? Do you feel like your friend's prayers may be more effective than yours because she's closer to God than you? Well, God's inviting you to deeper intimacy with Him. And this is our prayer today, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. Believe that He is for you, He knows everything you've ever done or thought or will do or think, and that He loves you and is inviting you to enjoy His character and presence and plans for us. May Christ be always on your heart and mind, on your lips and in your view, by your faith in His love.

Pray for two others to experience a deeper, closer, stronger relationship with Jesus. Send those two people a quick note asking for specific prayer requests and encouraging them by letting them know you're praying! Maybe encourage them to pray, too, because Christ is right there with them.

This is day 14 of praying for good.