God desires that we know Him in a way that enlightens the eyes of our hearts, transforming how we see Him, ourselves, others, history, and our eternal hope. The prayer in Ephesians 1 centers on God’s calling, His glorious inheritance, and the immeasurable greatness of His power toward those who believe. While God wants us to walk in this deep understanding, many remain unaware or disconnected from it.

Why is there so much emphasis on prayer in this very important and short epistle?

Acts 19 Break from pagan prayer to new covenant Christianity prayer

15-16 God-inspired prayers written in the Church Epistles reveal what God deems important to include in our petitions and intercessory prayers.

17 The prayer is addressed to God our Father. Ephesians 1:2, 3, and 17; 3:14 and 15; Matthew 6:9; Luke 11:1; John 14:13; 16:23

If we see what God wants us to see, our perspective of Him, humanity, history, and the hope will change. God wants us to know Him and His desires for His human family.

18 “Enlightened” is the difference between hearing the truth and having it come alive inside you, where it changes how you see and live. The prayer is not about knowing our calling, inheritance, and power, but His.

Genesis 1:26-28 God’s original plan has not changed. This is what He wants. Colossians 1:15; Hebrews 1:3 In Jesus, we see what God wanted and still wants all humans to be.

His inheritance – Inheritance: 1:11, 13, 14; 1 Peter 1:3-5; Hebrews 9:15; Romans 8:16-17; Deuteronomy 32:9; Jeremiah 7:23; Ezekiel 36:28; Revelation 21:23

Ephesians 1:19-23 We have the evidence of God’s power because He raised Jesus from the dead and ascended him to His right hand. That mighty power will do the same for us. Ephesians 1:13-14