III. HIS PETITION IN PRAYER

What he was praying for is basically set down in verse 16. It was a strengthening by the might of the Holy Spirit of the inward being of the Ephesians. That is a good model to follow.

1. The measure of the blessing he seeks. According to the riches of His glory. We should ask, not according to our perception of our need, but according to the measure of God's bounty.

2. The details of the blessing he seeks. How are we to be strengthened? Verses 17-19. It is four-fold with the idea of growth and advance set forth.

Christ dwell in our hearts by faith, verse 17. "Take up residence"

Rooted and grounded in love, verse 17. Rooting process

Comprehend the love of Christ, verse 18. "Attain to the understanding of"

Filled with all the fulness of God, verse 18. What fulness we are to seek after.

3. His confidence of obtaining an answer. Verse 20.

4. The praise he offers. Verse 21.
Praise to God can only come through the church and that throughout the ages, without end.