Verse for today – “For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man (Eph. 3:14-16).”

Today Paul returns to his original message, from verse 1, and declares that he is praying! There are several things to notice from these verses. Looking back, we see why Paul is praying; indicated by his words, “For this reason…” Looking forward, we see the content of his prayer, that the Ephesians would, “be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man…” Let us connect the two!

First, why did Paul pray? In chapter 2 we see God is doing a new thing. Mankind, dead in trespasses and sins, can now be forgiven and reunited with the Father, AND with one another (Jews and Gentiles becoming one). Also, in chapter 3, we see Paul was specifically chosen as a special steward by God to be used by God in this new work (it was called, “a stewardship of God’s grace” given to Paul). So, Paul was specifically chosen, and the work is new and world changing. For both reasons Paul prays.

Second, what does Paul pray? He asks that God would grant the Ephesians, “according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man.” This is a beautiful and important request Paul brings to our heavenly Father. Think about one of its main implications. Like all Christians, Paul is in a humble partnership with God, our Father. Paul is now in prison, and he seems to be saying to the Father, “I have done my part and now I am writing your people this letter. I have done all that I know to do. I give these new Christians into Your care, Father. Strengthen them to do your will!”

Of course, I do not know that the above was Paul’s thinking. However, I do know this must be our journey in the Christian life. We do our best; then we trust our heavenly Father! We give our all; all the while asking for His help, strength, and wisdom.

Tomorrow we will continue with Paul’s prayer. Today I will put down my pen and pray for every person who reads these words to be strengthened with His power through HIS Spirit in the inner man. May God greatly bless you and use you, dear Reader, for your good and HIS glory.

Done!