As you meditated on Paul’s prayer yesterday, what stood out to you?

Let’s walk through it today.

verse 14-15: Paul begins by explaining why he is praying for them – because of the unity they have found. This is new unity, new one-ness. Notice that He is praying to the Father who created all people (the whole family in heaven and earth is named). He is drawing their attention once again to God who is the almighty Creator as well as to the unity in Him. They are one.

verse 16: What is important? He asks God, according to His riches in glory, to grant them the be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man. Oh… so much in this short verse. Being strengthened by might by His Spirit is according to His riches, His immeasurable riches, not ours. It is not a “pull yourself up by your bootstraps” strength. For, that would be insufficient. We are strengthened by the Spirit, not ourselves. Finally, this strength is in the inner man. No matter our circumstances or health, we need strength in the inner man to face another day. Selah!

verse 17: He goes on to pray that Christ may dwell in our hearts through faith. As I think about this, it makes me think that Paul is asking for our hearts to dwell on Christ through whatever comes. He wants us to be rooted and grounded in love. Love should be the root and foundation of our actions no matter what.

verse 18-19: Who can understand the full love of God? Paul wants the Ephesians to and prays that God will help them. He wants them to comprehend the full measure of love – length, width, height, and depth. Yet, it is more than comprehending with a “head knowledge.” Paul wants them to know that Messiah’s love goes beyond knowledge. He wants them to be filled with it with all the fullness of God.

verse 20-21: Paul finishes the prayer showing that he knows that God can do and is more than we can comprehend. God can do more than we even can ask or think. God goes above and beyond. He is the power that works in us. Amen and Hallelujah! Paul gives praise to God as he states that all glory be to God in the church and Jesus Christ to all generations (including us) forever and ever. Amen!

This prayer can be an example to us as we pray for others and for the church. God can do above and beyond what we ask and think. He can help people grow in the ways described by Paul. How would praying this prayer for others who are isolated transform lives?

What did you learn from the prayer? We would love to hear from you.

We have finished a stroll through Ephesians 1-3 which have been very doctrinal, giving the principles and telling us who we are in Christ. They have helped us establish our identity. Now, in chapters 4-6, we will learn how these truths can be applied practically to our lives.

See you tomorrow as we begin that journey!