I have a blessing to pray over you for this New Year. It is a prayer that Paul prays for the church at Ephesus. It is a blessing for today to meet the challenges of tomorrow. It is a prayer for discernment. Discernment is my focus word for 2024. 

I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance of the saints, and His incomparably great power for us who believe. (Ephesians 2:17-19a)

Throughout the next few weeks, I am committing to pray this passage repeatedly with your specific name in mind, and as far as I know their names, your family members also. Instead of “you” I will substitute your name. I will be using the church directory and Evangel mailing list. There is nothing magic in this prayer. It is simply the majesty of God at work through the prayers of His people. 

So many are walking in darkness. So many are facing daily temptations to succumb to lies and fantasies. So many feel the weight of bad news, overextended schedules, and depression. So many believers also find themselves overwhelmed by health, money, and family issues, they may wonder if there is any Light at all left for them. This passage has a word for each of us—that the eyes of your heart be enlightened –discernment.

If you are so inclined, would you join me for a concert of prayer over your extended circle of friends, neighbors, and family members? What if, during the month of January, we were to blanket a great host of people across our country, even our world, with a prayer of enlightenment amid their daily living?  

Keep healthy. Pray mightily. Enjoy your life today. Pray for discernment. And let’s experience the love and power of God together.

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