The Apostle Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 3:14-21 offers a profound guide for believers seeking strength not from external circumstances but from the indwelling power of Christ. This passage, rich with spiritual depth, reveals a desperate plea for inner fortitude, rooted in God’s love and culminating in His limitless power. Pastor Léveillé’s sermon unpacks this prayer, urging us to depend on Christ, comprehend His love, and live in the overflow of His strength. Let’s walk through this transformative prayer in four key movements: the posture of prayer, the petition for strength, the comprehension of love, and the praise of God’s power.
The Posture of Prayer (Ephesians 3:14-15)
Paul begins his prayer with a striking posture: “For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named” (Ephesians 3:14-15, KJV). This act of kneeling was significant in a culture where Jewish people typically stood to pray. Paul’s posture reflects an intense, reverent surrender, a desperate plea born from recognizing the Ephesians’ need for divine strength. He prays not as a distant theologian but as a passionate shepherd, overwhelmed by the grace of God revealed in the gospel. This “cause” refers to the truths of Ephesians 1 and 2: the unity of Jew and Gentile in Christ, the sufficiency of one Savior, and our acceptance in the beloved. Paul’s kneeling signifies urgency and gratitude, acknowledging that prayer is born out of need. He reminds us that we belong in God’s presence, not as strangers but as children welcomed by a loving Father. Like Daniel in Babylon or Ann Judson in her trials, Paul’s posture calls us to pray with reverence, urgency, and confidence, knowing we are accepted in Christ.
The Petition for Strength (Ephesians 3:16-17a)
Paul’s prayer shifts to a specific request: “That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith” (Ephesians 3:16-17a, KJV). This is not a prayer for external blessings but for inner strength through the Holy Spirit, enabling Christ to dwell in believers’ hearts. The word “dwell” here is profound, meaning not just to reside but to settle down as the owner, ruling every area of life. While every Christian has the indwelling Holy Spirit, Paul prays for a deeper yielding where Christ has full control. Any area of life withheld from Him becomes a weak spot, robbing us of spiritual vitality. Like a renter in an Airbnb who cannot access the owner’s closet, Christians who limit Christ’s lordship miss the fullness of His power. True strength comes when we surrender every corner of our hearts by faith, allowing Christ to reign and fortify us from within for any challenge.
The Comprehension of Love (Ephesians 3:17b-19)
Paul continues, praying that believers, “being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God” (Ephesians 3:17b-19, KJV). This petition focuses on grasping the vastness of Christ’s love, which surpasses human understanding. Paul desires that the Ephesians not merely know about God’s love but experience it deeply, like roots drawing life from rich soil. This love is boundless: its breadth embraces every nation, its length stretches into eternity, its height reaches the heavens, and its depth covers the vilest sins. The more we comprehend this love, the more we yield to Christ, allowing Him to dwell fully in us. This shared experience with “all saints” strengthens the church collectively, as we encourage one another and open our hearts to God’s love. Understanding Christ’s love transforms us, filling us with His fullness and empowering us to live for Him.
The Praise of God’s Power (Ephesians 3:20-21)
Paul concludes with a doxology: “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen” (Ephesians 3:20-21, KJV). This declaration celebrates God’s limitless power, far beyond our prayers or imagination. His ability to work through ordinary believers is not dependent on our plans or skills but on His Spirit at work within us. Stories like Jonathan Edwards’ sermon or Hudson Taylor’s provision in China illustrate that God’s power accomplishes what human effort cannot. Paul reminds us that our prayers are often too small because we measure them by our limitations rather than God’s greatness. As we yield to Him, His power transforms us, convicts us of sin, and works through us to glorify Him in the church for all generations.
Conclusion
Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 3:14-21 is more than words on a page; it’s a blueprint for spiritual growth. Take this passage home, open your Bible, and make it your prayer. Kneel before the Father, surrender every area of your life to Christ, seek to comprehend His boundless love, and trust in His exceeding power. Pray this for yourself, your family, and your church. If you’ve never trusted Christ as Savior, invite Him into your life today to transform you. For believers, let this prayer guide you to yield fully, knowing that God’s power is at work in you, strengthening you for every trial and filling you with His fullness. May we echo Paul’s cry, giving glory to God who does far more than we could ever ask or think.
