Paul's Prayer for the Ephesian Church Pt 1

For nearly two chapters Paul has broken off his prayer report. In 1:16 Paul began relating his prayers for the Ephesians in view of God's grace to them; however, by 1:19 he broke off his report and did not return to it until 3:14, though he seems to have attempted to resume it in 3:1. The initial words in 3:14 "for this reason" look back to the sweeping theological exposition of the "mystery of Christ" which in context refers to the inclusion of believing Jews and Gentiles into the body of Christ through the blood of the cross. In view of this mystery Paul prayed in very specific ways for the Ephesian church and those specifics are spelled out in 3:16-19. This message focuses very narrowly on the topic of prayer in general, as a few items in these verses, including the elements of posture, purpose, and bold access are examined and expounded in connection with broader Biblical teaching.