Ephesians 1:13-19 – In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.  For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might

A. The Praying Apostle

1. His reason for this prayer

Ephesians 3:14, Ephesians 3:8-9

2. His deep reverence

Ephesians 3:14

3. His relational emphasis

Ephesians 3:14, John 17:1, 5, 11, 21, 24-25

4. His commitment to intercession

Ephesians 3:16, Romans 1:8-12

B. Elements in Paul’s Prayer

1. Trinitarian

a. God the Father: Sovereign and active – Ephesians 3:14-16

b. God the Spirit: Specific and active – Ephesians 3:16

c. God the Son: Supreme and active – Ephesians 3:17-19

2. Experiential

a. Christ’s dwelling within – Ephesians 3:17, John 15:1-9

b. Christ’s love known – Ephesians 3:19

c. God’s fullness experienced – Ephesians 3:19

3. Theological

a. God’s sovereignty – Ephesians 3:14-15

b. God’s glory – Ephesians 3:16

c. God’s power – Ephesians 3:16

d. God’s love – Ephesians 3:17 & 19

e. God’s knowledge – Ephesians 3:18

4. Personal Applications

a. It defines the Christian life – John 17:1-3, Philippians 3:10

b. It ensures the Christ-centered Christian life – Ephesians 3:17

c. It provides life to the Christian life – Ephesians 3:17

d. It stabilizes the Christian life – Ephesians 3:17