Have you ever had someone pray over you? A prayer that hit you deep down, a prayer that identified your need and reminded you of who you are?

In Ephesians 1:15-23, this is exactly what Paul is doing. Not just for the Ephesian church, but for believers today too.

As Paul’s prayer starts to unfold, he’s not just listing out random things that could be prayed for like financial security or relationships. Don’t get me wrong, those things aren’t bad to pray for. But what Paul is doing is reminding Christians of their identity, reminding them of their faith in God.

You can see three different sections or identifiers that point to our identity as a believer.

FAITH & LOVE

In verse 15, Paul expresses his remembrance for the Ephesians. He specifically points out their faith in Jesus and love for the saints. What a thing to be known for right?

Paul isn’t pointing out a flippant type of faith that you see stitched on a t-shirt that alludes to a mental state or idea. Rather, a faith deeply rooted in the knowledge of who God is and what He has accomplished. And to be known for a love that is sacrificial and sometimes inconvenient.

COMMUNITY

As the passage continues, verses 17-19, Paul emphasizes the hope that God would provide the Spirit of wisdom, knowledge of Himself, understanding the hope we’re called to, and the riches of His inheritance to the saints.

Why would he pray for something like that?

Paul prays this for “you”, a plural you. In community, not only are we reminded but we are able to remind others of all the things provided to us through Christ. We are unable to accomplish anything apart from God. The wisdom we have, knowledge we earn, the hope provided to us, and even the riches of eternity - none of them come without knowing and being known by God.

Being around other believers reminds us that we cannot do this life alone.

POWER OF GOD

Wrapping up the last few verses of this passage, Paul brings attention to and focuses on the power of God through Jesus. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is the same power that brought you and me from death to life. It was the power of God that made a way for us to know Him and be in communion with Him again.

Our identity can only be defined by the One who created us. No person, occupation, hobby, or stage of life can do this. Paul prayed for the Ephesian church, reminding them of who they were in Christ. We too, must not only remind ourselves of who we are but we should be reminding one another.

Look to God to define you because He’s the only One who can.

by Emily Rico