Paul’s Posture (vv. 14-15)
His humble kneeling: physical posture
His heavenly knowledge: spiritual posture
Paul’s Prayer (vv. 16-19)
For the Spirit to strengthen them
For Christ to be “at home” in their hearts
For the Father to be fully known by them
Paul’s Praise (vv. 20-21)
Praise for God’s abundant enablement
Glory in the church through Christ forever
More To Consider
After contemplating such a marvelous spiritual experience, it is no wonder Paul bursts forth in a doxology, a fitting benediction to such a prayer. Note again the trinitarian emphasis in this benediction: Paul prays to God the Father, concerning the indwelling power of God the Spirit, made available through God the Son.
Perhaps the best way for us to grasp some of the greatness of this doxology is to look at it in outlined form:
Now unto Him that is
able to do all
above all
abundantly above all
exceeding abundantly above all
Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 33). Victor Books.
While crossing the Atlantic on an oceanliner, F.B. Meyer was asked to address the first class passengers. At the captain's request he spoke on "Answered Prayer." An agnostic who was present at the service was asked by his friends, "What did you think of Dr. Meyer's sermon?" He answered, "I didn't believe a word of it." That afternoon Meyer went to speak to the steerage passengers. Many of the listeners at his morning address went along, including the agnostic, who claimed he just wanted to hear "what the babbler had to say."
Before starting for the service, the agnostic put two oranges in his pocket. On his way he passed an elderly woman sitting in her deck chair fast asleep. Her hands were open. In the spirit of fun, the agnostic put the two oranges in her outstretched palms. After the meeting, he saw the old lady happily eating one of the pieces of fruit. "You seem to be enjoying that orange," he remarked with a smile. "Yes, sir," she replied, "My Father is very good to me." "Your father? Surely your father can't be still alive!" "Praise God," she replied, "He is very much alive." "What do you mean?" pressed the agnostic. She explained, "I'll tell you, sir. I have been seasick for days. I was asking God somehow to send me an orange. I suppose I fell asleep while I was praying. When I awoke, I found He had not only sent me one orange but two!" The agnostic was speechless. Later he was converted to Christ. Yes, praying in God's will brings an answer. Our Daily Bread.
