For this reason, I kneel before the Father. . .
The verse begins abruptly with the phrase: “for this reason.” But for what reason? It refers to what has been said in the previous paragraphs about Paul’s ministry. Paul, like other apostles, had been entrusted with a revelation by the Spirit. Specifically, it had been revealed to him that Gentiles, who receive the gospel in faith, are fellow heirs of the promises of God. They too are members of the body of Christ, and therefore they have access to God. “For this reason,” Paul prays that his readers may be strengthened in spiritual power, love, and knowledge.
As Paul bends his knee to pray to God, the Father, his words and actions unveil and communicates his earnest concern for the church. This affirms that it wasn’t enough that these Gentile believers ‘knew’ the theological truth of their welcome to God through the gospel. They also needed to be empowered to live it. Paul was thrilled to proclaim it to them; and now, he also shows that he is eager to pray for them to be enabled to live it.
Think what an encouragement it must have been, then, for the believers to whom Paul was writing to know that he was praying for them! Some people simply ‘say’ they are praying for me because they don’t know what else to say. But with others, those that I recognize to be deeply concerned and sincere followers of Jesus I know they’re not just ‘saying’ it. They mean it. And I value their prayers greatly.
Wouldn’t it be a great way for us to apply this passage about Paul’s prayer, as followers of Jesus, to pray for these things for one another? Paul, affirms the power of God to answer this prayer in the great benediction that we find in verses 20-21. As great as God’s riches are, that’s how sufficient He is to enable us in the ways that Paul prays.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for the privilege to talk to you in prayer. I bow in submission, surrendering to all that you have for us in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Rev. Isaac G. Y Bangalu Founder & CE Couples & Singles Network for Christ Initiative
365 Gospel Truth Devotional.
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