Ephesians is one of the most cherished books in the New Testament, speaking to such heartfelt concerns as finding God's purpose for your life, being unashamed in your faith, building unity within a fractured church, and battling spiritual warfare. Praying Ephesians takes readers on a journey to uncover the insightful truths of this Pauline epistle by way of guided intimate prayers, important historical backgrounds, word studies, and lots of application and inspirational content. This in-depth study enables readers to connect with God through a rich, prayerful look at His Word.

Skateboarding down the cul-de-sac in front of our home, my 10-year-old son was enjoying a warm, sunny morning of vacation from school. Jordan had just completed fourth grade two days earlier and was looking forward to a summer filled with golf, swimming, and friends. I was inside the house when I heard one of those awful screams that a mother knows and dreads.

Feeling my adrenaline level at an all-time high, I bolted outside to find Jordan lying in the middle of the street, groaning in pain and shock. He had experienced a freak fall off his skateboard, and although we didn't know it at the time, his left femur (the largest bone in his body) had snapped in two.

Realizing that I could not get Jordan to the hospital myself, I called an ambulance and sat down next to him, trying to remain calm on the outside until help came. I felt rather helpless--the only physical comfort I could offer him was my presence.

After X-rays in the emergency room, the orthopedic surgeon was called and plans were made for Dr. Watt to operate the next day. While my husband stayed with Jordan, I made a short trip home that evening to pick up some things we needed at the hospital. My previous composure dissolved when I walked into my son's bedroom and looked at all his treasures and projects, and I had a good, long cry. It had been a serious accident, but I was grateful that he was alive. I drove back to the hospital and spent the night with Jordan. Several times I drifted off to sleep and then woke up, hearing his faint "M-m-o-m-m?" When I jumped up, he explained that he just wanted to know I was there. There's nothing like a mother's love at a time like that.

A mother's love provides comfort, security, and encouragement to her children. The protective instinct I experience as a mom is so strong and fierce that I cannot imagine anyone who could possibly love my children more. And yet, there is! I can stay up with a child for a night or two, but only God never sleeps. I have bandaged many a scraped knee through the years, but only God can make those little knees heal. Over a burger and fries, I have carefully listened to the concerns of a teenage son, but only God can see and understand everything in that teen's mind and heart.

I have the privilege of loving my children (although imperfectly) for a limited number of years. But the God who designed them--and me--loves us perfectly. His love knows no limits. Yes, God cares about our fears, our scrapes, and our concerns. But much more than that, only He can bring healing to our hearts.

The curious thing about the healing of our hearts is that our healing can take place only because of the wounds of God's Son. When Jesus hung and died for us on the cross, His death was not for His own sins, because He was sinless. His death was for our sins.

"But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was upon him,
and by his wounds we are healed."
Isaiah 53:5

There has never been a more amazing act of love. Our sins brought Him death, but His wounds bring us healing. When we come face to face with our need for healing and God's limitless love, we want Him the way an injured child wants his mother.

We cannot come to God on the basis of our good works, social standing, money, or education. A relationship with Him cannot be earned. Rather, we come to God on the basis of what Christ has done and our faith in Him. When we place our faith in Him, we stand in the position of incredible privilege--we become children of God.

Have you sensed your need for healing? Do you want to experience the presence of God? If you call out to Him, in faith, He will come into your life with forgiveness, eternal life, and the security of His presence. If you would like to know Jesus Christ as your personal Savior and Lord we would encourage you to turn from your sin and receive Him right now wherever you are. Simply pray:

Dear Jesus, I know that I am a sinner, and I know that You died for me to pay for my sins. Please forgive me and make me one of Your own, that I may live in heaven with You for all eternity.