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Welcome to Day 6 of our journey through Ephesians! Today, we delve into Ephesians 3:14-21, where Paul offers a heartfelt prayer for the believers in Ephesus. This prayer focuses on being strengthened in our inner being, understanding the vastness of Christ’s love, and being filled with the fullness of God. Let’s explore how Paul’s prayer can shape our spiritual growth and deepen our relationship with God.
Praying for Inner Strength
Paul begins his prayer by bowing before the Father, acknowledging God’s sovereignty and grace. In Ephesians 3:14-16, he writes, “For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being.”
Paul’s request for inner strength highlights the importance of being fortified from within by the Holy Spirit. This inner strength is crucial for living a life of faith and resilience, enabling us to withstand challenges and grow in our spiritual journey.
Comprehending Christ’s Love
Paul’s prayer continues with a focus on understanding the magnitude of Christ’s love. In Ephesians 3:17-19, he prays, “So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 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, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”
Paul desires that believers not only know about Christ’s love intellectually but experience it deeply in their hearts. This love is described as vast and boundless, surpassing human understanding. Being rooted and established in this love provides a strong foundation for our faith and relationships.
Filled with the Fullness of God
The culmination of Paul’s prayer is for believers to be filled with the fullness of God. This profound request signifies a desire for believers to experience the complete presence and power of God in their lives. It reflects a life wholly surrendered to God, where His love, grace, and power are evident in every aspect of our being.
Glory to God
Paul concludes his prayer with a doxology, giving glory to God. In Ephesians 3:20-21, he writes, “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, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”
This doxology reminds us of God’s limitless power and His ability to exceed our expectations. It’s a call to trust in God’s ability to work in and through us, bringing glory to His name across generations.
Conclusion
Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 3:14-21 is a powerful model for our own prayers. It emphasizes the need for inner strength, a deep understanding of Christ’s love, and the desire to be filled with the fullness of God. As we reflect on this prayer, let’s seek to deepen our relationship with God and allow His love and power to transform us.
Call to Action: Share a time when you felt God’s love strengthening you. How did it help you in your walk with Christ? Let’s encourage each other by sharing our experiences and insights in the comments below.
Join us tomorrow as we explore Ephesians 4:1-16 and learn about living a life worthy of the calling we have received. Our journey through Ephesians continues to reveal the richness of our identity and purpose in Christ.