Ephesians 1:15-23 is a great pattern for Church Age believers to follow in our prayers for one another. Paul prays for very specific things to occur in the lives of the Ephesian Christians, and us, by default. Paul prays that: 1. God would give us the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him – v.17 We have the complete revelation and book of wisdom – the Bible, to guide us into all truth. 2 Timothy 2:15: Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2. Our eyes would be enlightened to know what is the hope of his calling, and the riches of the glory of his inheritance that we are all part of as adopted children. We can understand the exceeding greatness of his power toward all who believe – V.18-19 2 Timothy 3:16-17: All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. 3. This is the same resurrection power he demonstrated by raising Christ from the dead, placing Christ at his own right hand in the heavenly places, in the seat of authority over all principality, power, and might, and dominion in this world and in the world to come – v.20-21 4. Christ is the head of the body, the church – all believers from the first century up to today. We are the fulness of him – v.22-23 We can observe Paul's focus of prayer and learn to pray properly for each other! Please read some companion scriptures to discover what kind of prayer is paramount to our spiritual growth – Colossians 1:9-17; 2 Peter 1:3-9; 1 John 5:13-15 The Lord's Prayer teaches us the four main attributes of a healthy prayer life, known as the ACTS of prayer. Look for these four attributes each week when you quote the Lord's Prayer in worship. Adoration: worship – giving God the glory he deserves – Psalm 29:2 Confession: to agree with God about your sin – to say the same thing about your sin that God says about it – Psalm 66:18; Psalm 32:5; 1 John 1:9 Thanksgiving: the expression of gratefulness to God for his wonderful works Psalm 26:7, 100:4-5 Supplication: specific requests for yourself and others. This is important to keep your motives pure – Philippians 4:6-7; 1 Timothy 2:1-6; Job 42:10 We will dive into Ephesians 2 this coming Sunday!
