At the beginning of his letters and frequently also in the course of his teaching, Saint Paul moves from teaching to prayer. He does this by telling his community, almost as if he were making a report, about his prayer for them. As we listen, let us take his practice to heart and realize that the doctrine we accept in faith may inspire and animate our prayer.

Let us also realize that, if Paul asks for certain graces and spiritual gifts for his community, he obviously considers that these graces and gifts are very important and, furthermore, that these graces and gifts are precisely ones that the community needs.

Seeking inspiration from Paul's we may first of all reflect on the gifts that he prays for and then, turning to our own hearts, we may reflect on our own need for these gifts.

So, today, let us take some of the opening words of his Letter to the Ephesians and use them to pray for an increase of that special wisdom and insight which faith confers upon us as a glorious heritage.