Praying for Wisdom and Revelation

Scripture: I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, would give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened so that you may know what is the hope of his calling, what is the wealth of his glorious inheritance in the saints. Ephesians 1:17-18

Observation: As Paul opens his letter to the church at Ephesus, he gives a very specific prayer. He prays for their "wisdom and revelation" about God himself. He prayers that they would receive knowledge about God ... about the hope found in the gospel, the purpose for believing in Jesus, and the inheritance to be received through that faith. He desires that they be enlightened about the Lord in every way, and especially about what they receive as children of God.

This is a powerful prayer, for it is really hoping that they receive a revelation of the Spirit about the very nature of being someone who has a relationship with God. It is about knowing God's will for one's life specifically, and for the community of faith more broadly. It is about understanding God's nature and love at a level where one can see his hand and his work, and knows how to participate in it.

Application: This remains my prayer now for some time, that I may better know my purpose within the context of God's love. I was thinking about this again last night, and I do understand how I participate in activities within my church. I see how I can serve, and serve well, to support his kingdom. And perhaps that is my purpose ... to remain in a secular world during the day, through which I receive my blessings from the Lord, and to serve him by small acts of service of assistance to others at my church. There is certainly nothing wrong with any of that.

I keep hoping and praying for some other call. However, right where I am I have great blessing and good work and potential to see the Lord's love around me. This is all good. I will continue to pray for wisdom and revelation about the Lord. I do desire more knowledge and understanding and insight. I fervently want the Holy Spirit to guide me, and for myself to be more obedient to that guidance on a daily basis. But I also see this is good where I am at this time, for as long as the Lord desires me here, and I'm sure I will get new vision and new instructions when his time is perfect.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for my call. May I serve you well, right here and now, in everything you would have me do. I do desire deeper wisdom and understanding, but I also desire your will above all else, for your wisdom is perfect. Amen.