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Paul’s (Second) Prayer for the Church in Ephesus
In Ephesians 3:14-21, Paul offers a second prayer for the Ephesians. He prays to emphasize that Jews and Gentiles are united as one body and are being built together into a dwelling place for God. In his prayer, Paul humbly expresses that he bends his knees before the Father, the One who has named him and is the same Father of the Christians he addresses. Let’s examine the specific requests Paul makes and the purpose behind them.
A Prayer that God Would Strengthen Them (verses 16-17)
Paul prays for inner strength through the Holy Spirit. This request is not for them to receive the Holy Spirit or for Christ to enter their hearts, as they are already believers. Instead, Paul asks that Christ would dwell in their hearts through faith. The key word here is dwell, signifying that Christ would not merely visit but make their hearts His permanent home. It represents a deep, abiding presence, where Christ is at home in their lives.
Next week, we will study Paul’s prayer that they would grow in their knowledge of God’s love (verses 17-19a) and that they would be filled with God’s fullness (verse 19b).
Application Points
- We are made complete in God when we are saved.
- Progressive sanctification requires a daily pattern of decision-making that aligns with our belief in Christ. This involves consistently choosing what is true and right, allowing Christ to dwell in our lives.
- This week, pray that Christ would feel welcomed and fully at home in the lives of the believers at Grace Church of Mentor.
Cross References to Explore:
- Ephesian 1:15-23 – Paul’s first prayer to the Ephesians
- Ephesians 2:19 – the reason for Paul’s second prayer