FOR THIS CAUSE I BOW MY KNEES

For the second time in this letter we enter Paul’s prayer life, based on the truth of chapter 2 verses 11 to 22, this being the cause for this wonderful prayer. Note his reverence in prayer, seen probably in physical posture, but certainly regarding his attitude of heart, without which effective prayer is impossible. Today we want to note the wonderful points of Paul’s prayer to see if they characterize our attempts at prayer. Let us never be too proud to learn from others!

He wants God to ‘grant you . . . to be strengthened with might’. Isn’t this what each of us needs for daily, effective living for God? His might flowing through us in all our weakness. This strength comes from ‘the riches of his glory’. If only we would ask for, and be dependent upon, His strength.

He wants Christ ‘to dwell in your hearts by faith’. He indwells every believer, but the word ‘dwell’ implies ‘to settle down and feel completely at home’ in one’s heart. He won’t do this if sin is entertained there, so confession is needed for Him to be comfortable.

He wants me to be ‘able to comprehend’ and ‘to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge’. The idea of understanding the incomprehensible and knowing that which passes knowledge, seems an absurd paradox. Yet, as I enter into God’s presence regularly and dependently in prayer, it becomes an increasing and attainable possibility. He wants revelation to take place - this is only possible when I spend time with Him.

He wants me to know the One who ‘is able (has the power - dunamis) . . . according to the power that worketh in us’. It is amazing to realize that, frail and insignificant as I know myself to be, the power of God can be at work in me and through me as a consequence of my yielding to the able One. I have no ability, no strength, no power - He possesses it all, and, as I hand myself over to Him, He can work through me in a manner I never expected. All this can be known as I bow my knees and enter into His divine presence. Dare I stay outside? I must enter today and prove all this. Prove Him as the One ‘able to do exceeding abundantly’, today!