A Gift That Endures

A Gift That Endures

I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance. Ephesians 1:16-18

Perhaps like you, I look for thoughtful gifts and stocking stuffers for family and friends. I wrap the presents to deliver later or to place under the tree. But I’ve found the greatest gift we can give our loved ones isn’t found in a mall or online. We don’t have to charge it on plastic. It won’t shrink or clutter the closet after the newness wears off. Nor will it end up in next spring’s garage sale. This gift is of such enduring quality, it yields the biggest dividends of anything we could give in terms of blessings, fulfillment, and real life for our loved ones long after the Christmas tree is gone and the electronic gadgets are obsolete or broken. In fact, it’s even better than leaving large sums of money, a business, or a big house as an inheritance when we die.

The best trust fund of all will come through the gift of our prayers. When we pray for others, we are building them a storehouse of blessing. And when we are no longer on earth to give our loved ones gifts at Christmas, our prayers will keep giving to them. The verses for today are marvelous ones to pray for your children or spouse or other family members.

Look at what this Scripture passage asks God to impart to them: spiritual wisdom and understanding so that they’ll know God and grow in him; hearts flooded with light so they will embrace the salvation Christ provided on the cross; and the wonderful future promised them, a rich and glorious inheritance that won’t fade away. Let me encourage you to take some pockets of time to pray this special prayer for those you hold dear. Your prayers will make an eternal difference that lasts far beyond the holiday season. —CHERI

Thank you, Father, that through my prayers I can be a conduit of your grace and blessing to my loved ones. I lift them to you now. . . .

Prayer moves the arm which moves the world, and brings salvation down.

—JAMES MONTGOMERY (1771–1854), ENGLISH POET, HYMN WRITER, AND EDITOR