Paul’s Prayer
Submitted by admin on Thu, 2008-10-23 01:04. :: daily readings
- Reading I: Ephesians 3:14-21
- Resp. Psalm: Psalm 33:1-2,18-19
- Gospel Reading: Luke 12:49-53
Paul prays for strength to be granted the Ephesians. It is the strength that comes from the indwelling of Christ through faith and the Holy Spirit. It is strength that helps the Christian know and comprehend the love of Christ and be filled with God’s fulness.
The strength that Paul asks for is in keeping with the fact of the Christians’ status: much is demanded from them by their new way of being. The moral section of the letter follows after this (Ephesians 4;1-6:19). In fact, towards the end of the letter, Paul writes:
Therefore, put on the armor of God, that you may be able to resist on the evil day and, having done everything, to hold your ground. So stand fast with your loins girded in truth, clothed with righteousness as a breastplate, and your feet shod in readiness for the gospel of peace. In all circumstances, hold faith as a shield, to quench all (the) flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (!Ephesians (NAB) 6:13-17)
Strength (the Fortitude of Stoic moral virtues) is needed because the Christian will be engaged in a combat that is spiritual. During baptism, Christians renounce the work of the devil; he is anointed with oil like a wrestler being prepared for a match, or a soldier about to go out into the battlefield. The strength that Paul asks for is one that comes from the Trinity: the Father in his power and wealth, the Son as he dwells within in faith and the Spirit who acts from within the inner man. Its purpose is one: that the Christian, rooted in love, may never forget in the midst of life’s struggles the love by which he is loved by Christ.
19Now therefore you are no more strangers and foreigners; but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and the domestics of God,
20Built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone:
21In whom all the building, being framed together, groweth up into an holy temple in the Lord.
22In whom you also are built together into an habitation of God in the Spirit.
2The heavens shew forth the glory of God, and the firmament declareth the work of his hands.
3Day to day uttereth speech, and night to night sheweth knowledge.
4There are no speeches nor languages, where their voices are not heard.
5Their sound hath gone forth into all the earth: and their words unto the ends of the world.
12And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and he passed the whole night in the prayer of God.
13And when day was come, he called unto him his disciples; and he chose twelve of them (whom also he named apostles).
14Simon, whom he surnamed Peter, and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew,
15Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alpheus, and Simon who is called Zelotes,
16And Jude, the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, who was the traitor.
19Now therefore you are no more strangers and foreigners; but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and the domestics of God,
20Built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone:
21In whom all the building, being framed together, groweth up into an holy temple in the Lord.
22In whom you also are built together into an habitation of God in the Spirit.
2The heavens shew forth the glory of God, and the firmament declareth the work of his hands.
3Day to day uttereth speech, and night to night sheweth knowledge.
4There are no speeches nor languages, where their voices are not heard.
5Their sound hath gone forth into all the earth: and their words unto the ends of the world.
12And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and he passed the whole night in the prayer of God.
13And when day was come, he called unto him his disciples; and he chose twelve of them (whom also he named apostles).
14Simon, whom he surnamed Peter, and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew,
15Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alpheus, and Simon who is called Zelotes,
16And Jude, the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, who was the traitor.
2To the church of God that is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that invoke the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, in every place of theirs and ours.
3Grace to you, and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
42And they were persevering in the doctrine of the apostles, and in the communication of the breaking of bread, and in prayers.
16Let the word of Christ dwell in you abundantly, in all wisdom: teaching and admonishing one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual canticles, singing in grace in your hearts to God.
21Who answering, said to them: My mother and my brethren are they who hear the word of God, and do it.
1027That which I tell you in the dark, speak ye in the light: and that which you hear in the ear, preach ye upon the housetops.
2819Going therefore, teach ye all nations; baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
20Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and behold I am with you all days, even to the consummation of the world.
105NUN. Thy word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my paths.
4Who will have all men to be saved, and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
32And now I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, who is able to build up, and to give an inheritance among all the sanctified.
24Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in incorruption. Amen.
2To the church of God that is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that invoke the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, in every place of theirs and ours.
3Grace to you, and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
42And they were persevering in the doctrine of the apostles, and in the communication of the breaking of bread, and in prayers.
16Let the word of Christ dwell in you abundantly, in all wisdom: teaching and admonishing one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual canticles, singing in grace in your hearts to God.
21Who answering, said to them: My mother and my brethren are they who hear the word of God, and do it.
1027That which I tell you in the dark, speak ye in the light: and that which you hear in the ear, preach ye upon the housetops.
2819Going therefore, teach ye all nations; baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
20Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and behold I am with you all days, even to the consummation of the world.
105NUN. Thy word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my paths.
4Who will have all men to be saved, and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
32And now I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, who is able to build up, and to give an inheritance among all the sanctified.
24Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in incorruption. Amen.
1Blessed is the man who hath not walked in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stood in the way of sinners, nor sat in the chair of pestilence.
2But his will is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he shall meditate day and night.
6For the Lord knoweth the way of the just: and the way of the wicked shall perish.
10And he was teaching in their synagogue on their sabbath.
11And behold there was a woman, who had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years: and she was bowed together, neither could she look upwards at all.
12Whom when Jesus saw, he called her unto him, and said to her: Woman, thou art delivered from thy infirmity.
13And he laid his hands upon her, and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.
14And the ruler of the synagogue (being angry that Jesus had healed on the sabbath) answering, said to the multitude: Six days there are wherein you ought to work. In them therefore come, and be healed; and not on the sabbath day.
15And the Lord answering him, said: Ye hypocrites, doth not every one of you, on the sabbath day, loose his ox or his ass from the manger, and lead them to water?
16And ought not this daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?
17And when he said these things, all his adversaries were ashamed: and all the people rejoiced for all the things that were gloriously done by him.
5One Lord, one faith, one baptism.
32And be ye kind one to another; merciful, forgiving one another, even as God hath forgiven you in Christ.
10Proving what is well pleasing to God:
11And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
12For the things that are done by them in secret, it is a shame even to speak of.
13But all things that are reproved, are made manifest by the light; for all that is made manifest is light.
14Wherefore he saith: Rise thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead: and Christ shall enlighten thee.
13Let us walk honestly, as in the day: not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and impurities, not in contention and envy:
14But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh in its concupiscences.
3But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not so much as be named among you, as becometh saints:
4Or obscenity, or foolish talking, or scurrility, which is to no purpose; but rather giving of thanks.
5For know you this and understand, that no fornicator, or unclean, or covetous person (which is a serving of idols), hath inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
6Let no man deceive you with vain words. For because of these things cometh the anger of God upon the children of unbelief.
7Be ye not therefore partakers with them.
1Blessed is the man who hath not walked in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stood in the way of sinners, nor sat in the chair of pestilence.
2But his will is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he shall meditate day and night.
6For the Lord knoweth the way of the just: and the way of the wicked shall perish.
10And he was teaching in their synagogue on their sabbath.
11And behold there was a woman, who had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years: and she was bowed together, neither could she look upwards at all.
12Whom when Jesus saw, he called her unto him, and said to her: Woman, thou art delivered from thy infirmity.
13And he laid his hands upon her, and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.
14And the ruler of the synagogue (being angry that Jesus had healed on the sabbath) answering, said to the multitude: Six days there are wherein you ought to work. In them therefore come, and be healed; and not on the sabbath day.
15And the Lord answering him, said: Ye hypocrites, doth not every one of you, on the sabbath day, loose his ox or his ass from the manger, and lead them to water?
16And ought not this daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?
17And when he said these things, all his adversaries were ashamed: and all the people rejoiced for all the things that were gloriously done by him.
5One Lord, one faith, one baptism.
32And be ye kind one to another; merciful, forgiving one another, even as God hath forgiven you in Christ.
10Proving what is well pleasing to God:
11And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
12For the things that are done by them in secret, it is a shame even to speak of.
13But all things that are reproved, are made manifest by the light; for all that is made manifest is light.
14Wherefore he saith: Rise thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead: and Christ shall enlighten thee.
13Let us walk honestly, as in the day: not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and impurities, not in contention and envy:
14But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh in its concupiscences.
3But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not so much as be named among you, as becometh saints:
4Or obscenity, or foolish talking, or scurrility, which is to no purpose; but rather giving of thanks.
5For know you this and understand, that no fornicator, or unclean, or covetous person (which is a serving of idols), hath inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
6Let no man deceive you with vain words. For because of these things cometh the anger of God upon the children of unbelief.
7Be ye not therefore partakers with them.
7But to every one of us is given grace, according to the measure of the giving of Christ.
8Wherefore he saith: Ascending on high, he led captivity captive; he gave gifts to men.
9Now that he ascended, what is it, but because he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?
10He that descended is the same also that ascended above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.
11And he gave some apostles, and some prophets, and other some evangelists, and other some pastors and doctors,
12For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
13Until we all meet into the unity of faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the age of the fulness of Christ;
14That henceforth we be no more children tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine by the wickedness of men, by cunning craftiness, by which they lie in wait to deceive.
15But doing the truth in charity, we may in all things grow up in him who is the head, even Christ:
16From whom the whole body, being compacted and fitly joined together, by what every joint supplieth, according to the operation in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body, unto the edifying of itself in charity.
1I rejoiced at the things that were said to me: We shall go into the house of the Lord.
2Our feet were standing in thy courts, O Jerusalem.
4For thither did the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord: the testimony of Israel, to praise the name of the Lord.
5Because their seats have sat in judgment, seats upon the house of David.
1And there were present, at that very time, some that told him of the Galileans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.
2And he answering, said to them: Think you that these Galileans were sinners above all the men of Galilee, because they suffered such things?
3No, I say to you: but unless you shall do penance, you shall all likewise perish.
4Or those eighteen upon whom the tower fell in Siloe, and slew them: think you, that they also were debtors above all the men that dwelt in Jerusalem?
5No, I say to you; but except you do penance, you shall all likewise perish.
6He spoke also this parable: A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it, and found none.
7And he said to the dresser of the vineyard: Behold, for these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and I find none. Cut it done therefore: why cumbereth it the ground?
8But he answering, said to him: Lord, let it alone this year also, until I dig about it, and dung it.
9And if happily it bear fruit: but if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.
7But to every one of us is given grace, according to the measure of the giving of Christ.
8Wherefore he saith: Ascending on high, he led captivity captive; he gave gifts to men.
9Now that he ascended, what is it, but because he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?
10He that descended is the same also that ascended above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.
11And he gave some apostles, and some prophets, and other some evangelists, and other some pastors and doctors,
12For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
13Until we all meet into the unity of faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the age of the fulness of Christ;
14That henceforth we be no more children tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine by the wickedness of men, by cunning craftiness, by which they lie in wait to deceive.
15But doing the truth in charity, we may in all things grow up in him who is the head, even Christ:
16From whom the whole body, being compacted and fitly joined together, by what every joint supplieth, according to the operation in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body, unto the edifying of itself in charity.
1I rejoiced at the things that were said to me: We shall go into the house of the Lord.
2Our feet were standing in thy courts, O Jerusalem.
4For thither did the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord: the testimony of Israel, to praise the name of the Lord.
5Because their seats have sat in judgment, seats upon the house of David.
1And there were present, at that very time, some that told him of the Galileans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.
2And he answering, said to them: Think you that these Galileans were sinners above all the men of Galilee, because they suffered such things?
3No, I say to you: but unless you shall do penance, you shall all likewise perish.
4Or those eighteen upon whom the tower fell in Siloe, and slew them: think you, that they also were debtors above all the men that dwelt in Jerusalem?
5No, I say to you; but except you do penance, you shall all likewise perish.
6He spoke also this parable: A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it, and found none.
7And he said to the dresser of the vineyard: Behold, for these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and I find none. Cut it done therefore: why cumbereth it the ground?
8But he answering, said to him: Lord, let it alone this year also, until I dig about it, and dung it.
9And if happily it bear fruit: but if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.
1I therefore, a prisoner in the Lord, beseech you that you walk worthy of the vocation in which you are called,
2With all humility and mildness, with patience, supporting one another in charity.
3Careful to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
4One body and one Spirit; as you are called in one hope of your calling.
5One Lord, one faith, one baptism.
6One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in us all.
1On the first day of the week, a psalm for David. The earth is the Lord's and the fulness thereof: the world, and all they that dwell therein.
2For he hath founded it upon the seas; and hath prepared it upon the rivers.
5He shall receive a blessing from the Lord, and mercy from God his Saviour.
6This is the generation of them that seek him, of them that seek the face of the God of Jacob.
54And he said also to the multitudes: When you see a cloud rising from the west, presently you say: A shower is coming: and so it happeneth:
55And when ye see the south wind blow, you say: There will be heat: and it cometh to pass.
56You hypocrites, you know how to discern the face of the heaven and of the earth: but how is it that you do not discern this time?
57And why even of yourselves, do you not judge that which is just?
58And when thou goest with thy adversary to the prince, whilst thou art in the way, endeavour to be delivered from him: lest perhaps he draw thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the exacter, and the exacter cast thee into prison.
59I say to thee, thou shalt not go out thence, until thou pay the very last mite.
1Now I say, as long as the heir is a child, he differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all;
2But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed by the father:
3So we also, when we were children, were serving under the elements of the world.
4But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent his Son, made of a woman, made under the law:
5That he might redeem them who were under the law: that we might receive the adoption of sons.
6And because you are sons, God hath sent the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying: Abba, Father.
1I therefore, a prisoner in the Lord, beseech you that you walk worthy of the vocation in which you are called,
2With all humility and mildness, with patience, supporting one another in charity.
3Careful to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
4One body and one Spirit; as you are called in one hope of your calling.
5One Lord, one faith, one baptism.
6One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in us all.
1On the first day of the week, a psalm for David. The earth is the Lord's and the fulness thereof: the world, and all they that dwell therein.
2For he hath founded it upon the seas; and hath prepared it upon the rivers.
5He shall receive a blessing from the Lord, and mercy from God his Saviour.
6This is the generation of them that seek him, of them that seek the face of the God of Jacob.
54And he said also to the multitudes: When you see a cloud rising from the west, presently you say: A shower is coming: and so it happeneth:
55And when ye see the south wind blow, you say: There will be heat: and it cometh to pass.
56You hypocrites, you know how to discern the face of the heaven and of the earth: but how is it that you do not discern this time?
57And why even of yourselves, do you not judge that which is just?
58And when thou goest with thy adversary to the prince, whilst thou art in the way, endeavour to be delivered from him: lest perhaps he draw thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the exacter, and the exacter cast thee into prison.
59I say to thee, thou shalt not go out thence, until thou pay the very last mite.
1Now I say, as long as the heir is a child, he differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all;
2But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed by the father:
3So we also, when we were children, were serving under the elements of the world.
4But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent his Son, made of a woman, made under the law:
5That he might redeem them who were under the law: that we might receive the adoption of sons.
6And because you are sons, God hath sent the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying: Abba, Father.
14For this cause I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
15Of whom all paternity in heaven and earth is named,
16That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened by his Spirit with might unto the inward man,
17That Christ may dwell by faith in your hearts; that being rooted and founded in charity,
18You may be able to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth, and length, and height, and depth:
19To know also the charity of Christ, which surpasseth all knowledge, that you may be filled unto all the fulness of God.
20Now to him who is able to do all things more abundantly than we desire or understand, according to the power that worketh in us;
21To him be glory in the church, and in Christ Jesus unto all generations, world without end. Amen.
1A psalm for David. Rejoice in the Lord, O ye just: praise becometh the upright.
2Give praise to the Lord on the harp; sing to him with the psaltery, the instrument of ten strings.
18Behold the eyes of the Lord are on them that fear him: and on them that hope in his mercy.
19To deliver their souls from death; and feed them in famine.
49I am come to cast fire on the earth; and what will I, but that it be kindled?
50And I have a baptism wherewith I am to be baptized: and how am I straitened until it be accomplished?
51Think ye, that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, no; but separation.
52For there shall be from henceforth five in one house divided: three against two, and two against three.
53The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against his father, the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother, the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.
14For this cause I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
15Of whom all paternity in heaven and earth is named,
16That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened by his Spirit with might unto the inward man,
17That Christ may dwell by faith in your hearts; that being rooted and founded in charity,
18You may be able to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth, and length, and height, and depth:
19To know also the charity of Christ, which surpasseth all knowledge, that you may be filled unto all the fulness of God.
20Now to him who is able to do all things more abundantly than we desire or understand, according to the power that worketh in us;
21To him be glory in the church, and in Christ Jesus unto all generations, world without end. Amen.
1A psalm for David. Rejoice in the Lord, O ye just: praise becometh the upright.
2Give praise to the Lord on the harp; sing to him with the psaltery, the instrument of ten strings.
18Behold the eyes of the Lord are on them that fear him: and on them that hope in his mercy.
19To deliver their souls from death; and feed them in famine.
49I am come to cast fire on the earth; and what will I, but that it be kindled?
50And I have a baptism wherewith I am to be baptized: and how am I straitened until it be accomplished?
51Think ye, that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, no; but separation.
52For there shall be from henceforth five in one house divided: three against two, and two against three.
53The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against his father, the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother, the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.
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