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Daily Devotions

Ephesians

Ephesians 
Day 
Day 164

"For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named."

Text: Ephesians 3:14-15

FOR THIS REASON (“toutou charin”)

In all of Paul’s writings, evidence of his deeply passionate spirit is clearly seen. Paul knew that what he wrote was lofty, profound and difficult to comprehend. Even as he contemplated on what he had written, his heart was deeply moved to pray for his readers.

Paul used a most interesting preposition to express how he felt as he entered into a season of prayer. The preposition “charin” translated “for this reason” indicates his goals. The message he proclaimed was glorious and wonderful, but comprehension would not come easily. Humble prayer must be made just to obtain wisdom to understand God’s eternal purpose for the Church.

PRAYER OFFERED TO THE FATHER

Once again, we have the rare privilege of reading one of the prayers that the apostle Paul uttered. (There are not too many such prayers in the epistles. We have two very moving prayers in Ephesians).

“I bow my knees”

One may pray to God in any position, standing up, sitting down, or in prostration, bowing the knees. Bowing the knees is symbolically the most illustrative.

a) It speaks of deep humility.

b) It speaks of great awe and reverence for God, though he is addressed as “Father”.

c) It speaks of recognition of one’s personal unworthiness.

d) It portrays well the relationship that Paul had with the Lord- as His servant (“doulos”).

e) It illustrates a high sense of purpose in seeking God.

REMINISCENT OF THE LORD’S PRAYER,

Paul’s prayer commenced on the same lines taught by the Lord Jesus Christ.

So He said to them, ‘When you pray, say…
‘Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name…
LUKE 11:2

Paul was most conscious that he had “boldness and access with confidence through faith in” Christ (Cf. Ephesians 3:12). Nevertheless, he never allowed himself to err on the side of presumption. Paul made sure that he was properly geared up in heart and mind before he entered into prayer and supplication.

1. Consciousness of God as Father of the Lord Jesus Christ.

2. Consciousness of being part of the family of God (in heaven and on earth).