*Oct 12 – Day 285. Christ Dwells in your Heart. Ephesians 3.17

“That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love.” (Ephesians 3:17)

 Welcome to another daily prayer. Keep on praying. This scripture emphasizes the importance of having Christ not just as a distant figure but as an intimate presence in our lives. It encourages us to cultivate a strong foundation of faith that allows us to truly understand and experience His love. Being “rooted and grounded in love” suggests a deep, unwavering connection to the love of Christ, much like a tree that is firmly anchored in the soil, drawing nourishment and stability from its roots. As we reflect on this verse, let us consider how we can open our hearts more fully to Christ, allowing His love to transform our thoughts, actions, and relationships. By doing so, we can create a nurturing environment for ourselves and those around us, fostering a community that reflects His unconditional love.

Transcript

Good morning, everyone! I want to welcome each and every one of you to another episode of EBC’s Prayer Podcast. Today, October 12th, is the 285th day of the year, a perfect opportunity to reflect on the blessings we have and the grace that surrounds us each and every day.

Remember that I’m Dr. Victoria Haddad, the First Lady and Prayer Leader at Elyon Bible Church Apostolic in Salem, NJ. It is a true honor and privilege to join you in prayer, so we can seek God’s guidance as we navigate the complexities of our daily lives.

Our scripture today will be taken from Ephesians 3:17, which states: “That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love.” 

This scripture is reminding us to allow Christ to reside within our hearts. The Lord wants us to build a strong foundation of faith that is deeply rooted in love—love that not only transforms our lives but also strengthens our relationships with others.

As we meditate on this verse, let us remember that through our prayers, we can invite the Lord into our lives, fostering a deeper connection with Him. 

The Lord wants us to persevere in prayer, for when we are grounded in love and faith, we are creating space for Him to work within us.

Let’s open our hearts today and seek God during our prayer, so His presence can guide us as we journey in faith.

Let’s Pray

Dear Heavenly Father. Our Lord, God, and Savior. Father, we come before you with our hearts overflowing with gratitude, cherishing the opportunity to invite you with us once again and unite with you again. 

Lord, as we lift our voices in prayer, help us to uplift our hopes, burdens, and dreams to you. We know that you are listening and inclining your ear to hear every unspoken word, every whispered desire, and every plea for your help. That’s why you are reminding us, “That you will dwell in our hearts by faith; so we can be rooted and grounded in love.” 

Lord,  we honor you for your faithfulness, we thank you for your steadfast love, and for your mercies that are new every morning. Help us to have faith even when life is not perfect. Help us to know that you are our refuge, our fortress, our strong tower, and the lifter of our faith.

Lord, nothing escapes your sight, and nothing is too hard for you. When doubts creep into our hearts, remind us that you hold the world in your hands. Keep our eyes fixed on you, ease our fears, calm our anxieties, and help us see the many ways you are answering our prayers. Teach us to trust in you with all our hearts, to lean not on our own understanding, but to acknowledge you in all our ways so that you will direct our paths.

Lord, today, we are surrendering all our burdens – our worries, everything we have in store. We don’t want to worry about the future, our hidden fears, our silent battles, and our restless thoughts. 

Father, we are laying everything at your feet, for you have the power to do the impossible in our lives. As we navigate the challenges that life presents, may our choices reflect your grace, and our faith be a source of comfort not only to ourselves but also to those around us. May we strive each day to express your teachings and love to others. 

Father, in the face of trials, strengthen our faith to stand firm with confidence. Let our choices reflect your grace, so we can become instruments of love in this world. For your plans for us are good – you have plans to prosper us and not to harm us, plans to give us hope and a future.

Lord, we are praying and seeking your guidance. May our actions radiate love, and our lives bear witness of your goodness. Where there is despair, let us be bringers of hope. Where there is sorrow, let us be vessels of comfort. Where there is division, let us sow seeds of peace. Help us to know your answers to our prayers, even when they come in ways we did not expect. Teach us to walk by faith and not by sight, for your timing is perfect and your ways are higher than ours. 

Lord, as we go through this day, may our hearts remain humble and our spirits obedient to your leading.

Lord, we pray for everyone under the sound of this prayer. You see everyone who is praying today. You see everyone who is listening to this prayer podcast.

Lord God, help them to experience a fresh encounter with you today. Renew their strength, restore their joy, and pour out your wisdom upon each and every one of us. Cover our families under your blood, our homes under your blood, our jobs under your blood, and everyone who is praying and seeking your intervention. Lord, cover all of us under your blood. We know that you have the power to do the impossible. So, we are thanking you for using us to bring glory and honor to your name.

Lord, as we grow in faith, help us to reflect your love as we go through this day and become examples of light in darkness, carriers of hope to the hopeless, and ambassadors of your kingdom to everyone we encounter. 

Father, we thank you for everything you have done. Thank you for this moment to pray. And Lord, we are sealing this prayer with faith and ask all these things in your matchless, powerful, and faithful name. 

In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, we pray… Amen.

Thank you, Jesus, thank you, Lord.

 Everyone, I want to thank each and every one of you for listening to this prayer podcast. Please have a wonderful day. By God's grace, we will pray again tomorrow.