Paul proceeds to reveal what sort of things he has been praying for on behalf the Ephesians. Paul does the same thing in his epistles to the Philippians and Colossians - cf. Php 1:9-11; Col 1:9-12 In noticing such prayers, I find it helpful to remember that Paul is writing by inspiration. I.e., the things mentioned were not just Paul's desire for his readers, but the desire of God as well! In most cases, what concerns are expressed in these prayers are just as applicable to us as they were to the original recipients of these epistles.
Ephesians 1:15-20
15 For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, 16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, 20 which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, NIV
Ephesians 1:15-20
15 For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, 16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, 20 which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, NIV
