"Paul's Prayer"

 

Ephesians 3:14-15 "For this cause I bow my knees unto the FATHER of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, of WHOM the whole family in Heaven and Earth is named,"

     Paul's intercessory prayer concludes the doctrinal section of his epistle to the Ephesians and leads into the "practical," or application, portion (Chapters 4-6). In this doctrinal section, we see the glory of the LORD JESUS CHRIST revealed through the calling out of a people from among both Jews and Gentiles who believe the Gospel, who are truly one in the SPIRIT and one in CHRIST's body, and who are predestinated to be glorified together at their SAVIOR's appearing. The Apostle desires in today's text that the recipients of GOD's marvelous benefits would more fully comprehend these blessed, spiritual truths. He also prays that believers, who enjoy such a glorious position in JESUS CHRIST, would likewise experience the LORD's enabling power.

     "For this cause I bow my knees unto the FATHER" (v.14 pictured above) - notice the Apostle's reverential attitude in prayer (kneeling before GOD) and the way in which he addresses his heavenly FATHER. This was not simply a feigned piety with which he was trying to impress other believers through his prayer life. The Apostle Paul realized that intercession was essential and instrumental in bringing to pass the perfect will of GOD in the lives of those for whom he prayed. Prayer does, indeed, make a tremendous difference; it seeks to magnify the LORD's will not only in our own life but also in the lives of others.

     "Of WHOM [JESUS CHRIST] the whole family in Heaven and Earth is named" (v.15 pictured above) - a family relationship exists between all who are "in CHRIST" (Ephesians 1:1 pictured above), including all believers today as well as those in times past. If we truly care about and have concern for others, we will come to the LORD in fervent, intermediary prayer on their behalf. DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

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