Ephesians 3:14-15

 

Ephesians 3:14-15

Paul’s Prayer for the Family of God

 

Eph 3:14  For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 

Eph 3:15  Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 

          1.      Who Should We Pray For?

a.       We are to pray for the people of God

                                                              i.      We must pray for their strength in the midst of hard times

1.      Ephesians 3:13 

                                                            ii.      We must pray for their unity

1.      Ephesians 2:17-19 

                                                          iii.      We must pray that their eyes would be opened to a better knowledge of the truth

1.      Ephesians 1:16-18 

          2.      How Should We Pray?

a.       Pray reverently to God

                                                              i.      It is not necessary to pray one’s knees, but the posture is important to demonstrate our reverence

1.      Psalm 95:6; Daniel 6:10; Acts 20:35-37 

           3.      To Whom Do We Pray?

a.       Pray to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ

                                                              i.      Jesus commands us to pray to the Father

1.      Matthew 6:9 

                                                            ii.      Jesus shows us how to pray to the Father

1.      John 17:1 

          4.      What Is the Purpose of Our Prayer?

a.       To build the Church

                                                              i.      One of the primary purposes of the leadership of the church is to pray for the congregants

1.      Acts 6:1-4 

                                                            ii.      Their prayers should be given with incredible sacrifice and passion

1.      Galatians 4:19 

                                                          iii.      Their prayers should be primarily for the spiritual well-being of the Church

1.      Nehemiah 1:4-11