Praying with Paul: 'The Secret of God's Will'

Dear Father, King of an eternal kingdom,

You have made known to us the secret of your will, the purpose which you set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time. Thank you, O God, for what you have made known - that you intend to unite everything in Christ - things in heaven and things on earth.

Divine Lord, you accomplish all things according to your will. Thank you that we who first hoped in Christ have been destined and appointed to live for the praise of his glory. Thank you also that in Christ we who have heard the word of truth, the Good News of our salvation, and have put our trust in him, have been sealed with your own Holy Spirit.

We exult in you, Father, because you have given us this Spirit, which is the guarantee, the down payment on our inheritance, until we acquire possession of it - for the praise of your glory!

In the name of Jesus and by his authority I pray. Amen.