June 2005: The WHY in Ephesians

Ephesians 1:15-23

WHY PRAY?
Introduction
**Bruce Almighty discussion of his powers to answer prayers (or use clip of his post it or filing ideas)
**People pray for lots of different reasons.
**When Paul learned of the Ephesians how did he react?

He recognized what defines a Church?
**strong faith in Jesus Christ (15)
**love for Christians everywhere (15)
**Christ’s body (23)
**filled by Christ (23)

Then, he prayed. How did Paul pray?
**Never stop thanking God for them (16)
**Constantly (16)
**Ask for spiritual wisdom for them (17)
**Hope they grow in knowledge of God (17)
**Want their hearts to be flooded with light (18)
**Want them to grasp heaven (18)
**Understand the incredible greatness of His power for us who believe (19-22)

Why pray? Because if we want to be a church…
**we must reflect Christ
**we must love other Christians
**we must grow