A Heart That Remembers – The Power of Gratitude and Prayer Ephesians 1:15–16

“For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.”

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The Apostle Paul’s letters are full of deep theological truths, but they are also full of something even more personal—love, gratitude, and prayer. In Ephesians 1:15–16, we find a glimpse into the heart of Paul as a spiritual father and encourager. He had heard of the Ephesians’ faith and their love, and it moved him. Not to boast, not to critique—but to give thanks and to pray without ceasing.

Faith and Love That Inspires

Paul writes, “ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people…” Those two things—faith in Christ and love for others—are at the very heart of what it means to live the Christian life.

It’s easy to say we have faith. It’s easy to love those who love us back. But when that faith shows up in everyday actions… when that love extends to “all God’s people”—even the difficult ones—that’s something worth celebrating.

And Paul noticed it.

The Power of Remembering

What’s beautiful about this passage is not just that Paul was thankful—it’s that he remembered.

In a world that moves fast and forgets easily, Paul teaches us a holy habit: remembering people in prayer. He wasn’t praying just out of obligation or general duty. He was praying from a heart of gratitude for real people making real impact in the Kingdom.

What would happen if we made it a habit to stop and remember the people who’ve impacted us?

• The friend who encouraged us when we were low.

• The leader who taught us how to pray.

• The believer whose quiet example pointed us to Jesus.

Prayer That Overflows From Gratitude

Paul didn’t just think about them—he prayed for them. And not just once. He says, “I have not stopped giving thanks for you…”

Gratitude fuels intercession. When your heart is full of thanks, your prayers become powerful. They stop being lists of needs and become declarations of love, blessing, and purpose.

Imagine a church full of people who are constantly praying for one another—not out of crisis, but out of overflow.

A Challenge For Us Today

Let’s take a cue from Paul and ask ourselves:

• Who in your life has shown you the love of Jesus?

• Who has stood firm in faith and inspired you to believe deeper?

• Who have you not stopped thinking about… but maybe haven’t prayed for in a while?

Don’t just remember them—thank God for them. Then pray for them.

Final Word

Paul’s words in Ephesians 1:15–16 remind us that faith and love are not only noticeable—they’re unforgettable. And when we notice them in others, our response should mirror Paul’s: gratitude and prayer.

Let’s become people who remember well, give thanks often, and pray continually.
Because faith like that deserves to be celebrated.
And love like that keeps the body of Christ strong.