The Father’s People
Opening Prayer
Before you read, take a moment to quietly focus on our God and heavenly Father. Then, pray for clear understanding.
Read Ephesians 3:14-21
[14] For this reason I kneel before the Father, [15] from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. [16] I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, [17] so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, [18] may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, [19] and to know this love that surpasses knowledge-that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. [20] Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, [21] to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
What does Paul pray here for the Ephesian Christians?Here Paul again takes up the main theme of the letter. “For this reason” (14) refers to the end of ch. 2, where he reminded young Christians about the difference God had made in their lives. That difference drives him to kneel in prayer (14). Jews normally stood for prayer, but Paul is humbling himself before God for these people he so loves. His prayer encompasses the Trinity (14,16,17). And he prays for the Christians to be drawn into the life of the Trinity (19). Colossians 1:19 says God was pleased to have his fullness dwell in Christ, so Paul is praying that what was true of Jesus might be true of his church, too. No wonder Paul cannot hold back his praises (20,21)! It is beyond human understanding (19), yet through what God has done it is within the reach of each of us (18). This is all through faith (17). Being filled in this way isn’t about knowing all the facts about God or being able to answer every question, but rather about letting God change our hearts, so that we recognize him as the source and fulfillment of our being.
Apply
What blessings would you want your pastor or close friend to pray to God for you? Who can you pray those blessings for?
Closing prayer
Pray vs. 16-21 for yourself and your church now. Kneel or otherwise humble yourself as you pray.
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