Ephesians 2  | Read in NIV YouVersion

Today's message will unfold the dwelling place of God.

Pause for Reflection:
How does Ephesians 2 challenge you to extend grace and love to others in your daily interactions? What role can you play in making the church a place of unity, peace, and reconciliation as described in this chapter?

Pray for today's service at Living Faith.

Pray for area churches. What is the closest church to your house? Pray for that one specfically today.

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Ephesians 2:19-22  | Read in NIV YouVersion

This Sunday's message will unfold the dwelling place of God.

Pause for Reflection:
How does the image of the church as a holy temple where God's Spirit dwells inspire you to live your life? Can you truly see yourself as a place that God dwells? If not, spend some time asking Him to help you do that.

Pray for the Living Faith staff. Pray for their homes to be places where the Spirit of God dwells richly.

Pray for Elkhart First Responders. Particularly, pray for our police department as they are in the midst of significant leadership transitions.

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Ephesians 2:14-18  | Read in NIV YouVersion

This Sunday's message will unfold the dwelling place of God.

Pause for Reflection:
In what ways does the reconciliation and unity described in these verses challenge the  divisions in our contemporary world?

Pray for the Richardson family, Living Faith missionaries to the Middle East. Pray for the obstacles all of the divisions in that part of the world present to the sharing of the gospel be overcome by the power of Jesus.

Pray for Downtown Ministries of Elkhart. They are currently in need of mentors for their life/job skills programs, so pray that the Lord leads the right people into the right places.

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Ephesians 2:11-13  | Read in NIV YouVersion

This Sunday's message will unfold the dwelling place of God.

Pause for Reflection:
How does Paul's message about the inclusion of Gentiles in these verses impact your understanding of God's love for all people? Spend a moment before the Lord today asking Him to bring to mind anyone for whom you do not hold love in your heart. One way to help root this out is to ask yourself, "Have I used the word 'they' in a negative way lately?" As in, "they" are the problem, it's "their" fault, or "they" don't understand. It's not an absolute, but sometimes the places we speak in "theys" can be a root of bitterness. If the Lord shows you a place you need to repent, read these verses again and do so. He has forgiven us! He loves us! He has claimed us! And He will help us forgive and love others if we lean in.

Pray for the women of Living Faith. Close your eyes and allow the Lord to bring specific faces to mind. Pray as He leads for those people.

Pray for RETA.

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Ephesians 2:6-10  | Read in NIV YouVersion

This Sunday's message will unfold the dwelling place of God.

Pause for Reflection:
How do these verses challenge the common worldly notions of merit and achievement? Are there any "works" you have been leaning on for self-worth or to curry favor with God? Is He asking you to do anything different right now, or to see something in a new way? If you are not sure, take time to ask Him and listen for His response.

Pray for the men of Living Faith. Close your eyes and allow the Lord to bring specific faces to mind. Pray as He leads for those people.

Pray for local homeless ministries.

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Ephesians 2:1-5  | Read in NIV YouVersion

This Sunday's message will unfold the dwelling place of God.

Pause for Reflection:
How does the transition from death to life described in verses 1-3 relate to your personal faith journey?

This worship song would be a wonderful place to hang out for awhile today.

Pray for the youth of Living Faith. Close your eyes and allow the Lord to bring specific faces to mind. Pray as He leads for those specific students.

Pray for Adult Teen Challenge of Elkhart.

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Ephesians 2  | Read in NIV YouVersion

This Sunday's message will unfold the dwelling place of God.

Pause for Reflection:
In your first readthrough of this chapter, is there any verse you have a question about? Is there any verse you would like to commit to memory? Mark those and work on them this week.

Pray for the children of Living Faith. Close your eyes and allow the Lord to bring specific faces to mind. Pray as He leads for those specific children.

Pray for area area schools as they finish out the school year. Pray for students and teachers to be refreshed over the summer break.

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Ephesians 1:15-23  | Read in NIV YouVersion

Today's message will dive into Paul's messianic prayer in Ephesians 1.

Pause for Reflection:
Has it occurred to you that Paul's prayer was for the gentile believers of Ephesus, and that you are a gentile believer as well? Allow His words to be spoken as a prayer over you and read them aloud to yourself today. Give a hearty AMEN to his requests!

Pray for the service at Living Faith today. Pray that the Lord will have his way during this service in every way.

Pray for area pastors. Pray by name for any that come to mind.

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Ephesians 1:22-23  | Read in NIV YouVersion

This Sunday's message will dive into Paul's messianic prayer in Ephesians 1.

Pause for Reflection:
Do you truly believe that ALL things are under Christ's feet? Is there any place you are living like you do not believe that?

Pray for Living Faith marriages. Pray for as many specific couples as the Lord brings to mind.

Pray for strong and healthy families in Elkhart County. Specificaly pray for your neighbors to the right and left of you.

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Ephesians 1:19b-21  | Read in NIV YouVersion

This Sunday's message will dive into Paul's messianic prayer in Ephesians 1.

Pause for Reflection:
Paul teaches on this concept again in Romans 8:11. Read this verse and meditate on the truth that the same power that rose Christ from the dead is ALIVE in YOU!

You may also enjoy worshiping to this song today.

Pray for Living Faith Community Groups. They are on a summer break as we prepare for our fall groups. Pray that the Lord will stir in people a desire to lead a group and that He will also encourage those who would benefit from attending a group to connect with one.

Pray for Church Community Services.

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Ephesians 1:18-19a  | Read in NIV YouVersion

This Sunday's message will dive into Paul's messianic prayer in Ephesians 1.

Pause for Reflection:
In Scripture, the “heart” is the control center of mind, will, and emotions. Paul prays that it be “enlightened”—literally, “flooded with light.” How does this verse connect with Proverbs 3:5-6 about understanding? Pray for your heart to be flooded with light today. 

Pray for the physical health of church members. Right now, there are a few of our congregation who are physically unable to attend services and are watching online. Pray for them to be encouraged during this hard season. If you know one of these members, please consider reaching out to let them know they are loved.

Pray for Elkhart County Jail Ministry.

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Ephesians 1:17  | Read in NIV YouVersion

This Sunday's message will dive into Paul's messianic prayer in Ephesians 1.

Pause for Reflection:
Do you feel like you live out of a spirit of "wisdom and revelation"? If not, is there anything keeping you from it? In what ways/areas do you desire to see more wisdom/revelation in your life? Spend some time praying for that for yourself today.

Pray for the Pantry. Specifically pray for the completion of the new floor that is being installed right now and for the completion of that renovation so we can open back up on schedule.

Pray for area food banks.

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Ephesians 1:15-16  | Read in NIV YouVersion

This Sunday's message will dive into Paul's messianic prayer in Ephesians 1.

Pause for Reflection:
What would it truly look like to "not stop giving thanks" or to "remember" someone constantly in your prayers. Would there be certain "markers" in your day to remind you to give thanks or to pray? Could you implement a new marker to take a step in that direction? An example would be, "Every time I get in my car, I will pause to pray for ______."

Pray for the youth mission trip this summer to the Dominican Republic. It's coming soon, so pray that every missionary will experience the grace of God as they ready themselves to go.

Pray for Habitat for Humanity of Elkhart. Specifically pray for the Smothers family as they settle into their new home. They are the latest homeowners to be blessed by this organization.

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Ephesians 1:15-23  | Read in NIV YouVersion

This Sunday's message will dive into Paul's messianic prayer in Ephesians 1.

Pause for Reflection:
When you read Paul's prayer, are there specific people who come to mind that you desire to pray this over? Write down their names and spend some time speaking this prayer over their lives.

Pray for the finances of the church. Specifically pray for the Lord to bless those who give to the work of the Kingdom here at Living Faith in ways that remind them of His faithfulness.

Pray for the local economy.

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Ephesians 1:1-14  | Read in NIV YouVersion

Today's message will dive into Paul's "shout of praise" in Ephesians 1.

Pause for Reflection:
As you prepare your heart for today's message, which verse in the passage we will study today is most highlighted in your spirit? Is there anything God is already saying to you about what He would like to do in you through the study of Ephesians?

Pray for today's services at Living Faith. Specifically pray that guests who attend today's service will experience a "coming home" to the Father and to the Body.

Pray for unity in the Body of Christ in Elkhart.

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Ephesians 1:13-14  | Read in NIV YouVersion

This Sunday's message will dive into Paul's "shout of praise" in Ephesians 1.

Pause for Reflection:
Make a list of things that have "marked" you in life. Now, consider the truth that the Holy Spirit has "marked" you. What does that mean to you?

The Greek word "deposit" has connotations of an engagement ring, or money that has been set aside in a safe deposit. Meaning, the fact that the Holy Spirit has been given to you means that the Lord is coming back to collect/claim you. What does this do for your heart today?

Pray for the Living Faith Pantry Team. Pray for each of them to have an opportunity for refreshing this week.

Pray for the Excel Center of Elkhart.

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Ephesians 1:11-12  | Read in NIV YouVersion

This Sunday's message will dive into Paul's "shout of praise" in Ephesians 1.

Pause for Reflection:
There can be a significant amount of wounding in life when we as humans experience rejection or the feeling of not being chosen. Your Lord saw you and chose you. He so desired to have a relationship with you that He sent His own son to die to make a way for you to come to Him. You have been chosen, no matter what mistakes you have made. He still chose you! Write out a prayer of gratitude to Him today.

Pray for the Living Faith Welcome Team. Pray for each of them to have an opportunity for refreshing this week.

Pray for Woodland Crossing Area businesses and neighbors. Pray that this neighborhood is full of the presence of God.

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Ephesians 1:7-10  | Read in NIV YouVersion

This Sunday's message will dive into Paul's "shout of praise" in Ephesians 1.

Pause for Reflection:
Have you ever thought of God's pleasure in sharing His will with you? Spend some time meditating on the truth that your relationship with the Lord gives Him pleasure.

Pray for the Living Faith Worship Ministry Team. Pray for each of them to have an opportunity for refreshing this week.

Pray for local foster care services and providers. Specifically pray for an organization Living Faith partners with, called "Care Portal," which helps connect resources to foster families prepping for emergency placements.

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Ephesians 1:14-6  | Read in NIV YouVersion

This Sunday's message will dive into Paul's "shout of praise" in Ephesians 1.

Pause for Reflection:
Before the world was formed, God saw you and chose to adopt you as His child. What does that truth say about who you are in the grand scheme of time and space?

How does the fact that God chose you impact the gift of a free will that He imparted to you? Are those two realities in contention with each other?

In light of God choosing of us, what response does Ephesians 1:6 invite us to?

Pray for the Living Faith Youth Ministry Team. Pray for each of them to have an opportunity for refreshing this week.

Pray for local school boards.

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Ephesians 1:1-3  | Read in NIV YouVersion

This Sunday's message will dive into Paul's "shout of praise" in Ephesians 1.

Pause for Reflection:
Jesus has blessed us with every spiritual blessing! How many of those come to your mind? Jot down as many as you can. Ask God to show you more and write those down as well. 

Pray for the Living Faith Children's Ministry Team. Pray for each of them to have an opportunity for refreshing this week.

Pray for local school boards.

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Ephesians 1:1-14  | Read in NIV YouVersion

This Sunday's message will dive into Paul's "shout of praise" in Ephesians 1.

Pause for Reflection:
Pick up a piece of paper and write out your own "shout of praise" today!

Pray for the Living Faith Elder Board. Pray for each of them to grow in their relationship to the Lord and their ability to obey Him immediately and thoroughly.

Pray for local government officials.

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John 1:1-18  | Read in NIV YouVersion

Today's message will start a new series that walks through the book of Ephesians, which details God's plan for all creation. Today's reading is a good summary of that plan.

Pause for Reflection:
Is there someone God is bringing to your mind today to bless in some way at church this morning? Be ready to obey the smallest prompting.

Pray for today's service. Pray that the public reading of Scripture will powerfully impact the listeners.

Pray for area churches to be saturated in His presence today.

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Colossians 4  | Read in NIV YouVersion

This Sunday's message will start a new series that walks through the book of Ephesians. This week's readings will help prepare our hearts for this beautiful book.

Colossians was written around the same time that Paul wrote Ephesians. It gives more context and insight into what Paul was instructing the church in that season, which is why we are reading it to prepare for our in depth study of Ephesians.

Pause for Reflection:
How does this chapter inspire you to have a more prayer-centered life? How can you use your present circumstances to spread the Gospel and support your fellow believers, as Paul did from prison?

Pray for the staff of Living Faith. Specifically, please pray for the Nascimento family as they navigate grief over the loss of their father and welcoming a new baby at the same time.

Pray for Elkhart First Responders. There has been an uptick in violence in our city the past year. Pray for those who see this on a daily basis, even as you pray for peace in our city.

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Colossians 3 | Read in NIV YouVersion

This Sunday's message will start a new series that walks through the book of Ephesians. This week's readings will help prepare our hearts for this beautiful book.

Colossians was written around the same time that Paul wrote Ephesians. It gives more context and insight into what Paul was instructing the church in that season, which is why we are reading it to prepare for our in depth study of Ephesians.

Pause for Reflection:
Spend some time before the Lord today, asking Him if there is any "old self" He would like to point out to you that needs to be submitted to Him.

Pray for the Richardson family, our Living Faith missionaries in the Middle East. They are back to their city of ministry. Pray for their protection and for direction in how best to minister in this season of regional conflict.

Pray for Downtown Ministries of Ellkhart. Their recent Pancake Breakfast fundraiser was a huge success. Pray that the Lord will help use those resources for radical breakthroughs in their ministry.

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Colossians 2 | Read in NIV YouVersion

This Sunday's message will start a new series that walks through the book of Ephesians. This week's readings will help prepare our hearts for this beautiful book.

Colossians was written around the same time that Paul wrote Ephesians. It gives more context and insight into what Paul was instructing the church in that season, which is why we are reading it to prepare for our in depth study of Ephesians.

Pause for Reflection:
What are some modern examples of "hollow and deceptive philosophy" that Paul warns against in verse 8? How can we discern between divine wisdom and human philosophy in our everyday life?

Pray for the women of Living Faith to be fed and led by the Holy Spirit into wisdom and truth.

Pray for RETA.

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