The Unsearchable Riches of Christ, Pt 39

Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians

Ephesians 3:14-21.

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We return to what Paul commenced saying in verse 1. Having spoken of them being builded in the last verse of chapter 2 and it for an advancing of that process that he is now praying, 3:16.

How important progress is for the Christian. If we are truly alive in Christ, then we will be growing. “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen,” 2 Peter 3:18. We must never be content with what we have, Phil 3:13-14.
Prayer is the key to progress. Isa 40:31; Ps 27:14, 84:7; Lam 3:25; Judges 16:28. Not only should we pray for ourselves but we should pray for others as did Paul.
I. HIS POSTURE IN PRAYER
There is no stipulated posture for prayer for there are many acceptable to God. “And Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD,” 1 Kings 8:22. “David therefore besought God for the child; and David fasted, and went in, and lay all night upon the earth,” 2 Samuel 12:16. “Then went king David in, and sat before the LORD,” 2 Samuel 7:18. Outward show is offensive to God but the right heart will manifest itself in a proper posture.
1. Reverence. The bowing of the knee shows that. We must honour the glorious person before Whom we attend when we pray. “And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lift up mine hand unto the LORD, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth,” Genesis 14:22.
2. Humility. The more we see of God’s glory, the less we will consider ourselves. “But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble,” James 4:6.
3. Fervency. This is the position of the earnest pleader, intercessor. “And at the evening sacrifice I arose up from my heaviness; and having rent my garment and my mantle, I fell upon my knees, and spread out my hands unto the LORD my God,” Ezra 9:5.