GREAT PRAYERS OF THE BIBLE

PAUL’S PRAYER FOR THE EPHESIANS

“For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.” Ephesians 1:15-19 NIV

“That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.” Ephesians 1:19-23 NIV

He Thanked God for their Faith and Love Their faith in the Lord Jesus – Ephesians 1:15a They believed that Jesus is who He claimed to be – John 8:24; 14:6 And they obeyed Jesus as Lord – Luke 6:46-49; James 2:14-17

He Thanked God for their Faith and Love And their love for all the saints – Ephesians 1:15b They loved one another unconditionally – John 13:34-35 This is demonstrated by all the fruits of love – Ephesians 4:32

He Prayed that they might Know God Better That God would give them the Spirit of wisdom . . . The ability to discern things from a spiritual perspective – Colossians 4:5-6 To understand and choose what is right and best – Luke 10:38-42

He Prayed that they might Know God Better And revelation, to know Him better Not just knowledge about God – Romans 1:18-20; 2 Timothy 3:16-17 He’s talking about knowing God in an intimate, personal relationship – Philippians 3:7-11; James 4:7-8

That the Eyes of their Heart may be Enlightened That they might know the hope . . . Many Christians don’t even realize what they have in Christ! The riches of his glorious inheritance – 1 Corinthians 2:9-10; 1 Peter 1:3-9

That the Eyes of their Heart may be Enlightened And His incomparably great power for us . . . The same power that raised Jesus from the dead! – Ephesians 1:19-20 We have the power to live victorious Christian lives! – Philippians 2:12-13; 4:13; 1 John 4:4