Young People's Group

Paul’s Example in Prayer

by Mitchell Tan
March 04, 2020

PAUL’S SECOND PRAYER FOR THE EPHESIANS

Paul was a man of prayer. This was clearly seen in the way he prayed specially for the Ephesian Church. Although his first prayer for them seemed to be a basic prayer of giving thanks to the Lord, it was still deep and insightful. Paul prayed that they would have spiritual enlightenment from the Spirit of God in order that they may know the hope of their calling, the riches of their inheritance in the saints and the exceedingly greatness of God’s power (Ephesians 1:17-19). As an extension from his first prayer, Paul now prayed that the Church at Ephesus would have greater strength and understanding of His love. From this prayer, we can learn to pray the way Paul did.

LEARNING TO PRAY AS PAUL DID

How did Paul go about praying?

1. PERSONAL APPRECIATION OF THE LORD’S GRACE IN PRAYER

“For this reason …”
Ephesians 3:14

Paul had a reasoned approach in prayer. The phrase “for this reason” has the idea of appreciating the grace of God that has been extended to him. Thus far, Paul had written about the grace of God in three aspects. First, he saw how Christians have been blessed with wonderful spiritual blessings in the heavenly places (Ephesians 1:3-14). Second, both Jew and Gentiles have been given the privilege to be members of the household of God (Ephesians 2:19). Third, there is the grace given to Paul to know the mystery of Christ (Ephesians 3:2-3). Stemming from this deep appreciation Paul had of the Lord’s grace, he was going to make a further prayer for the Ephesians.

2. PERSONAL POSITION IN PRAYER

“… I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ …”
Ephesians 3:14

As a reflection of his humility, Paul bowed his knees before the Father in prayer. Paul saw God as his heavenly Father and he had the highest regard for Him, such that he would go on his knees to pray to the Father. This humility is further expressed in the way Paul viewed himself in ministry. He saw himself as nothing more than a prisoner of Christ Jesus (Ephesians 3:1). As a prisoner, one has no rights or privileges. Additionally, he saw himself as a servant of the Lord, a humble minister of the gospel. Paul highly regarded the Lord God on his knees in prayer. A humble position was what he took as he approached the Lord to pray.

3. PERSONAL CONCERN FOR THE SPIRITUAL FAMILY IN PRAYER

“… From whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named”
Ephesians 3:14

Through the name of the Lord Jesus, the spiritual family in heaven and on earth are one. God is Father and all believers are His children. Paul was concerned for his spiritual family on earth which included the Ephesians, and was conscious of his heavenly family. He prayed with deep concern for the spiritual family.

PERSONAL APPLICATION

We are to be deeply challenged to pray the way Paul did. We too have experienced the grace of God extended to us in so many ways. Let’s learn to respond by seeking the Lord in prayer by humbly bowing before Him. It has been a while since we have seen each other. Some have expressed how they have missed Bethany and YPG. This is also a time of common tests and exams for some of you. Let’s seek to remember each other in prayer. Let’s bow our knees to the Father and intercede for those in need with concern and love.

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