READ Ephesians 2
All people are dead in sin, but by grace through faith in Christ we may be saved from sin.

INSIGHT
Two of the most wonderful words in the Bible occur in this chapter: “But God…” We were dead in our transgressions and sins; we followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the spirit of disobedience; we lived to gratify the cravings of our sinful natures; and we were by nature objects of wrath. BUT GOD, because of His great love for us, made us alive with Christ. We have been saved; God has raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms, that in the coming ages He might show the incomparable riches of His grace expressed in His kindness to us in Christ Jesus.

PRAYER
Praise the Lord that He extends grace to you:
All you have made will thank you, Lord;
The faithful will bless you.  
They will speak of the glory of your kingdom
And will declare your might,  
Informing all people of your mighty acts
And of the glorious splendor of your kingdom.  
Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom;
Your rule is for all generations.  
The Lord is faithful in all his words
And gracious in all his actions
(Psalm 145:10-13).

Pause for praise and thanksgiving. Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
The Lord is good and upright;  
Therefore he shows sinners the way.  
He leads the humble in what is right  
And teaches them his way.  
Lord, for the sake of your name,
Forgive my iniquity, for it is immense
(Psalm 25:8-9, 11).

Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind, and pray this affirmation to the Lord:
He did not even spare his own Son but gave him up for us all. How will he not also with him grant us everything? (Romans 8:32).

As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:

• Christian educational institutions
• Challenges for people with a disability
• Whatever else is on your heart

Finally, offer this prayer to the Lord:
The Lord will protect you from all harm;
He will protect your life.  
The Lord will protect your coming and going
Both now and forever (Psalm 121:7-8).