God's Holy Fire: 'To Know Him Better'

Monday, March 16, 2026

I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.
— Ephesians 1:17 NIV

Key Thought

Paul is praying this prayer for new followers of Jesus, and I love the language, "I keep asking ..." This intercession is his ongoing and constant prayer for them. And this prayer isn't asking for stuff, strength, or even forgiveness. Paul keeps asking that the Father send the Spirit in such a way that the Ephesian Christians can know God more fully because the Spirit brings a kind of wisdom and insight that they could never have without the Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:11-14). I can think of no more important prayer for us to pray for each other as brothers and sisters in Christ than that God will give each of us "the Spirit of wisdom and revelation."

Today's Prayer

O Father, almighty and sovereign Lord, I pray with the apostle Paul that you will give love to those I know and bring before you by name ..., that you will give them the "Spirit of wisdom and revelation" so that we can know you, O God. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

26 Related Resources by Heartlight

Ephesians 1:17
Devo: Today's Verse
"I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better."
Ephesians 1:17-20
Devo: Today's Verse
"I pray ... that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know ... [God's] incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like..."
The Greatness of God
Devo: Praying with Paul
"Dear Father, God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of Glory. Give me a spirit of wisdom and of revelation so that I may truly know the Savior. Let..."
Power over the grave
Illustration of Ephesians 1:17-20
Inspirational illustration of Ephesians 1:17-20 -- I pray ... also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know ... his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which
See All 26 Related Resources about Ephesians 1:17

Illustration

Illustration of Ephesians 1:17 NIV — I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Monday, March 16, 2026

Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'Supreme Over All the Earth' (Ps. 97:9)
"For you, O Lord, are supreme over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Morning Thought: Isaiah 44:3
"When a believer has fallen into a low, sad state of feeling, he often tries to lift himself out of it by chastening himself with dark and doleful..."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Letter to Governor Felix' (Acts 23:23-26)
"[After hearing of the plan to kill Paul,] the commander called two of his officers and ordered, "Get 200 soldiers ready to leave for Caesarea at nine..."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Alfred Edersheim:
"For God to explain a trial would be to destroy its purpose, calling forth simple faith and implicit obedience."

About This Devotional

God's Holy Fire is a daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

The Thoughts and Prayer for God's Holy Fire are written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked MESSAGE are taken from THE MESSAGE, copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress. All rights reserved. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

More God's Holy Fire

Translations