PRAYER FOR FAITH AND KNOWLEDGE
EPHESIANS 1:15–17
IN THE FIRST HALF OF Ephesians 1 we have what is probably the profoundest and most comprehensive doctrinal summary to be found in Holy Writ; in the second half of the chapter we are shown, by implication, what our response should be to that doctrine. In view of the wondrous spiritual blessings with which God has blessed us, His people in Christ, we should go to Him in praise and prayer. Those duties are clearly suggested by the example which the apostle sets before us here. His prayer on this occasion is the longest one recorded in the New Testament. It reaches depths and points to heights which faith alone can sound and scale. For the purpose of analysis we may outline the prayer thus. First, its occasion, when the apostle had heard of the faith and love of the Ephesian saints (v. 15). Second, its nature, namely, praise and petition (vv. 15–16). Third, its Object, “the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory” (v. 1:17). Fourth, its requests (vv. 17–19), which we consider to be four in number. Fifth, its revelation, concerning Christ and the Church (vv. 20–23).
Arthur Walkington Pink, Gleanings from Paul Studies in the Prayers of the Apostle (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2005). 96.
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