Praying with Paul: 'No Longer Strangers'

Saturday, October 17, 2026

Ephesians 2:17-22

Dear Father, friend of the far and the near,

I am so thankful that Christ came and preached peace to those who were far off and to those who were near, so that we both can have access to you in the one Spirit, that we can enjoy peace together. It is so wonderful that we who are not Jews no longer have to be strangers and foreigners.

How good of you, Father, that we now can be citizens with the saints, that we can be members of your household, Christ's church.

What a wonderful church! You built it on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure is joined and grows together into a holy temple in the Lord.

Thank you that in him even I personally can be built into it in order to become a dwelling place for God in the Spirit.

In the name of Jesus. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

20 Related Resources by Heartlight

Valuable, Holy, and Essential Stones!
Devo: Together in Christ
"So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God's holy people. You are members of God's family...."
God's Holy Dwelling by the Spirit
Devo: God's Holy Fire
"Together, we are [God's] house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself. We are carefully joined....."
Ephesians 2:19-20
Devo: Today's Verse
"Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, built on the foundation of the..."
Equal Access
Devo: God's Holy Fire
"[Jesus] brought this Good News of peace to you Gentiles who were far away from him, and peace to the Jews who were near. Now all of us can come to the Father..."
See All 20 Related Resources about Ephesians 2:17-22

Illustration

No Longer Strangers — Ephesians 2:17-22

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Saturday, October 17, 2026

What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'The Dark Night before Dawn' (Jn. 16:16-22)
"[Jesus continued,] "In a little while you won't see me anymore. But a little while after that, you will see me again." Some of the disciples asked..."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Helping Churches on the Brink'
"Dear Beloved, On Paul's last visit with the Ephesian elders, he warned them:Here are my instructions: diligently guard yourselves, and diligently..."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'You've Done It All!' (Ps. 71:17-19)
"You got me when I was an unformed youth, God, and taught me everything I know. Now I'm telling the world your wonders; I'll keep at it until I'm old....."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Persecutor of the Way' (Acts 22:4-5)
"[Paul continued the defense of his ministry before the hostile mob in Jerusalem, saying:] "And I persecuted the followers of the Way, hounding some....."

About This Devotional

Eldon Degge turns the apostle Paul's writings into daily, powerful prayers.

Heartlight appreciates Eldon Degge and Meridian Publishing for permission to make this available on our website. Praying with Paul is also available as a book.

More Praying with Paul