Ephesians chapter 1 will begin reading at verse 3.

Blessed be the God and father of our Lord Jesus Christ

who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places,

even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world

that we should be holy and blameless before him.

He destined us in love to be his sons through Jesus Christ

according to the purpose of his will,

to the praise of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, which he freely

bestowed on us in the beloved.

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses according to the riches

of his grace which he lavished upon us.

For he is made known to us in all wisdom and insight the mystery of his will according to his purpose

which he set forth in Christ.

As a plan for the fullness of time to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.

In him according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things, according to the Council of his will. We who first hoped in Christ

have been destined and appointed to live for the praise of his glory.

In him you also, who have heard the word of truth,

the gospel of your salvation, and have believed in him,

were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, which is the guarantee of our inheritance

until we acquire possession of it to the praise of his glory.

Let's pray together. Father hope is a thing that can't be turned on and off like a spigot.

It comes because our hearts have been touched and made open

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