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Ephesians study 3

3 “I Keep Asking” Ephesians 1:15–23


Purpose: To view the model of prayer Paul offers us as he intercedes for the church. To know and be filled by God.


Sometimes prayer can be like pushing a full wheelbarrow—with no wheel. At other times it's like rushing down the rapids of a mountain river. What makes the difference? In this study we'll see why Paul's prayers overflow with praise and thanksgiving.


1.  When you pray for fellow Christians, how do you usually pray for them? Give some specific examples.





2.  Read Ephesians 1:15–23. In verses 15–16 Paul says, “For this reason … I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.” Why is Paul so thankful in his prayers for the Ephesians?





4.  Why do you think Paul's prayers focus on wisdom, revelation and knowledge?




5.  Compare and contrast Paul's prayers with those you mentioned in answering the first question in this study.





6.  What does Paul tell us about the tremendous power available “for us who believe” (1:19)?




7.  What difference do you think this power could/should make in your life?





8.  How does 1:20–23 expand on Paul's discussion of Christ's headship begun in 1:9–10?




9.  How is the church, the body of believers, so central to God's plans for the universe?



10.  What kind of prayer dominates 1:3–14?





11.  What kind of prayer dominates 1:15–23?




12.  How does intercession naturally flow out of praise?




13.  Spend several minutes praising God and then praying for Christ's church, or individuals in it, following Paul's example.
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