Fundamentals of a Powerful Prayer
Ephesians 3:12 ESV
…in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him.
Ephesians 3:14-16a NIV
For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches…
1st Fundamental of Powerful Prayer: Reverence
Ephesians 3:14a NIV
For this reason…
Ephesians 3:14a NIV
For this reason I kneel…
1. Earnestness
James 5:17 NIV
Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years.
2. Humble dependence
2nd Fundamental of Powerful Prayer: Relationship
Ephesians 3:14-15 NIV
For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name.
Luke 11:1-2a NIV
One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” He said to them, “When you pray, say: “‘Father, hallowed be your name…
Ephesians 3:14-15 NIV
For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name.
But just remember he is our most loving Father. Every other discovery of God, without this, will but make the soul fly from him; but if the heart be once much taken up with this, the eminency of the Father’s love, it cannot choose but be overpowered, conquered, and endeared unto him. This, if any thing, will work upon us to make our abode with him. If the love of the father will not make a child delight in him, what will? Put then, this to the venture: exercise your thoughts upon this very thing, the eternal, free, and fruitful love of the Father, and see if your heart be not wrought upon to delight in him.”
—John Owen, Communion With God
3rd Fundamental of Powerful Prayer: Resource
Ephesians 3:16a NIV
I pray that out of his glorious riches…
“Paul draws attention not simply to the idea of source, thereby signifying ‘out of the wealth of his glory’, but also indicates that [God’s] giving corresponds to the inexhaustible riches of that glory. It is on a scale commensurate with his glory: he gives as lavishly as only he can.”
—Peter O’Brien, Pillar Commentary: Ephesians
